Missouri Governor — Mike Kehoe
Mike Kehoe is the 58th Governor of Missouri, serving since January 13, 2025. Born January 17, 1962, in St. Louis, Kehoe was raised by a single mother and built a successful business career before entering public service. He served in the Missouri Senate and as Lieutenant Governor under Mike Parson before winning the 2024 gubernatorial election with 59.1% of the vote against Democrat Crystal Quade.
Create jobs and grow Missouri's economy through business-friendly policies
Status: in-progress
Kehoe signed tax cuts eliminating income tax on capital gains (HB 594) in July 2025, reducing state revenues by approximately $400 million annually. Made income tax elimination his top 2026 priority, proposing a phased five-year elimination plan. However, Missouri's population remains stagnant and economic growth has been average, according to his own 2026 State of the State address.
Prioritize public safety and support law enforcement
Status: in-progress
Signed six executive orders on Day 1 establishing 'Operation Relentless Pursuit' and the 'Safer Missouri' initiative. Signed HB 495 in March 2025 putting St. Louis police under state control (reversing 2012 voter decision). Signed SB 81 in June 2025 expanding victim protections, including Trey's Law nullifying NDAs for childhood sexual abuse cases. Created Blue Shield Program with 201 approved communities for public safety grants. However, recent polling shows 47% of voters prefer local control of St. Louis police versus 39% supporting state control.
Support education with historic funding increases
Status: in-progress
Proposed $200 million increase for K-12 foundation formula in FY2026, claimed as 'largest increase ever' and '4 times larger than average.' Legislature added additional $297 million beyond his recommendation. However, Kehoe withheld required $300 million for state adequacy targets, created task force to modify funding formula, and prioritized $50 million for MOScholars private school voucher program. Senate Democrats criticized shift toward privatization. Kehoe also vetoed $511 million in spending including education projects.
Fight illegal immigration and stop China from buying Missouri farmland
Status: in-progress
Campaign promise included rounding up illegal immigrants and blocking foreign land ownership. HB 495 requires Missouri law enforcement to report immigration status of criminal suspects to state. However, Kehoe's 2013 Senate vote supported allowing Chinese land ownership near military bases; he defended this by citing changed circumstances. Campaigned from bus owned by lobbyist for Chinese pork producer Smithfield Foods, creating contradiction between stated positions and funding sources.
Support agriculture and protect farmer interests
Status: in-progress
Kehoe is a first-generation farmer operating a 700-acre cattle farm. Endorsed by Missouri Soybean Association and major agricultural commodity groups. Prioritizes policies to 'get government out of the farmers' way by cutting taxes and slashing unnecessary regulations.' Income tax elimination plan explicitly pledges not to extend sales taxes to agriculture. Limited concrete policy accomplishments tracked beyond tax reduction framework.