Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) wins Republican primary for Missouri’s gubernatorial election

Mike Kehoe (R) won the Republican primary for Missouri’s gubernatorial election on August 6, 2024. Click here for detailed results.

Nine candidates ran in the Republican primary election for governor of Missouri on August 6, 2024. Jay Ashcroft (R), Bill Eigel (R), and Mike Kehoe (R) led in polling and media attention. Inc. Gov. Mike Parson (R) was not able to file for re-election due to term limits.

Ashcroft, Eigel, and Kehoe participated in a February candidate forum. According to St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosen, “The verbal blows onstage reflect a new reality for a party that’s been dominant in state elections for nearly eight years. Republicans now face noticeable factionalism in their legislative supermajority and on the campaign trail.” Rosen said that while Kehoe avoided directly criticizing the other candidates, Eigel criticized both Kehoe and Ashcroft, saying, “Don’t be afraid of the message that we can’t take our state back because I don’t have enough lobbyist money or I don’t have the right last name from my dad,” referring to Ashcroft, who is the son of Frmr. Gov. John Ashcroft. Ashcroft responded by saying, “Are we going to pick words, or we’re going to pick actions?”

Ashcroft was the Missouri Secretary of State. Ashcroft said his engineering background helped him be results-driven. Ashcroft said, “It takes a different kind of thinking to lead the way out. I’m an engineer, and engineers fix problems. We focus on results.” Ashcroft said he would reduce government spending, eliminate gas and income taxes, increase law enforcement funding, and keep obscene materials out of public libraries.

Eigel was a state senator from Missouri’s 23rd District. Eigel said, “I happen to believe that one of the biggest problems that we have here in Missouri [is] all of those so-called Republicans – folks who campaign as Republicans and govern as Democrats. I’ve got news for these campaign conservatives who have betrayed us: your grift is coming to an end.” Eigel said he would require election authorities to manually count ballots instead of using machines, eliminate personal property and corporate taxes, and disallow programs he described as “woke” from being taught in public schools.

Kehoe was the lieutenant governor of Missouri. Kehoe said, “Making our communities safer, controlling spending, running the state like a business, creating jobs, and securing the future for Missouri by fighting for our shared family values – [that] is why I am running for governor.” Kehoe said he supported policies that would create more jobs, expand workforce development, support seniors and veterans, and improve education.

Over 20 unions and organizations endorsed Kehoe, including the Fire Fighter Association of Missouri, Missouri Agribusiness Association, and the Missouri Farm Bureau. The Missouri Right to Life PAC endorsed Ashcroft, and the Make Liberty Win PAC endorsed Eigel.

As of August 6, 2024, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, and Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the Missouri gubernatorial election as a safe or solid Republican seat.

Darren Grant (R), Jeremy Gundel (R), Darrell Leon McClanahan III (R), Robert Olson (R), Amber Thomsen (R), and Chris Wright (R) also ran in the Republican primary.