Gov. Parson appoints Mike Kehoe as Lt. Gov.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Mike Parson appointed a new lieutenant governor at 1 p.m. Monday during a news conference from the Governor’s Office in the Missouri State Capitol.

State Sen. Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City will fill the lieutenant governor’s office. Kehoe was sworn in during Monday’s announcement.

Parson was sworn in as Missouri’s 57th governor on June 1. This is the 13th time the lieutenant governor position has been left vacant in Missouri’s history. This is also the shortest amount of time the position has been vacant following a governor’s resignation.

During the news conference, Kehoe said to Gov. Parson, “Governor, you have my commitment that I will work tirelessly to bring about many more great days for Missouri and Missourians. I’m grateful for this opportunity, I’m humbled by the confidence placed in me and excited to get to work.”

Prior to announcing Kehoe as lieutenant governor, Parson said during the news conference, “The lieutenant governor is an important position, not just because of the duties assigned by Missouri law and the state constitution, but also to reassure Missourians that all operations of state government will continue.”

Stephen Webber, Chair of Missouri Democratic Party said Gov. Parson does not have this explicit authority to appoint the next lieutenant governor and believes it should go to a vote.

However, Gov. Parson said, “It is necessary and within my authority to appoint the next lieutenant governor.”

In the days before Parson left the office of Lieutenant Governor, reporters asked Senator Kehoe if he was a candidate for the position. Kehoe replied, “I don’t eliminate any options in the future, but it’s a family decision. If that were to become available, we’d have to decide as a family.”