Kehoe pledges to focus on crime, education and jobs in inaugural speech
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe became Missouri's 58th governor Monday afternoon, promising to focus on pubic safety and crime reduction as he takes office.
Kehoe, a St. Louis native who rose through business and politics over 30 years in Jefferson City, took the oath on the South Lawn of the Capitol. Andy Blunt, chairman of the inauguration committee Securing Missouri's Future, led the ceremony.
In his speech, Kehoe recounted his experience growing up in St. Louis and building a business in Mid-Missouri, then launched into policy.
"Securing Missouri's future begins with public safety," Kehoe said. "Too many Missourians don't feel sage -- and too many Missourians aren't safe. When people are afraid for their lives and for their families, they cannot be productive, and they will not prosper."
Kehoe pledged that his first act as governor will be executive orders strengthening public safety.
Kehoe moved to Mid-Missouri when he was 25 years old, according to his online biography. He bought his first Jefferson City Ford-Lincoln car dealership in 1992, working in the auto industry until his election to the Missouri Senate in 2010. Gov. Mike Parson appointed him lieutenant governor in 2018 to fill the spot he vacated when Eric Greitens resigned and Parson became governor.
Kehoe won a full term in 2020.
Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) said he was proud to see Kehoe take the mantle as governor. He complimented Kehoe's business history and advocacy.
"I have known Mike for over 30 years and there is no finer man to lead our great state," Griffith wrote in response to questions. "He has shown his desire to make the lives of those he loves and cares for through his business dealings, his service on the Transportation Commission, as a Senator and Lt. Governor. His work with Senior citizens to recognize their value to the state as well his continued support of our Veteran community has made life for those he has touched more fulfilling."
Kehoe also pledged to strengthen public education and expand "school choice" and create good-playing jobs.
Monday's inauguration included oaths of office for other statewide officeholders. Lt. Gov. Dave Wasinger, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Treasurer Vivek Malek were inaugurated on the steps of the Missouri Capitol. Wasinger and Hoskins accepted new roles, while Bailey and Malek will continue the jobs Parson appointed them to in 2023.
Kehoe won a resounding victory for governor with 59% of the vote over Democratic candidate Crystal Quade and tallied the most votes of any candidate seeking office statewide. His 1,750,802 votes came 1,184 votes behind President-elect Donald Trump's total in Missouri.
Kehoe has made his business experience a major part of his campaign for governor, hoping to bring the experience of someone who has "signed both sides of a check" to the executive office. Kehoe hopes to gradually eliminate the state's income tax and pledged not to raise any taxes while he's in office.
Kehoe said he would improve incentives for those looking to get hired as a law enforcement officer in Missouri. He told ABC 17 News anchor Meghan Drakas that his administration was looking at models in other states on implementing recruiting and retention benefits for departments.
The inauguration continues the Republican Party's hold of all statewide offices since 2023. The party also enjoys a majority in the General Assembly, but the Democratic Party gained seats in both chambers in the 2024 election.
