Holly Thompson Rehder announces lieutenant governor bid
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Republican state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder on Tuesday announced her bid for the 2024 lieutenant governor’s race.
Thompson Rehder is the first person to throw their hat in the race. Rehder was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2020 and represents District 27, which includes Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, Reynolds and Scott counties. Her term ends Jan. 8, 2025. She was previously a state representative from 2013-21.
In her press release, Thompson Rehder describes herself as a Christian conservative. Statewide committees she serves on includes: Missouri Commission on the Delta Regional Authority, Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force and Statewide Council on Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children
Her biography on the Missouri Senate website indicates she is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.
Thompson Rehder in her press release touts Senate Bill 39 – colloquially known as the “Save Women’s Sports Act” -- which she sponsored. The bill – which was signed by Gov. Mike Parson on June 7 -- prohibits transgender people from participating in girls and women’s sports. The law applies to elementary, secondary and postsecondary education institutions.
No one has made an announcement yet for Missouri Democrats. However, Assistant Minority Floor Leader Rep. Richard Brown, of Kansas City, filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
The primary elections for lieutenant governor will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. The office is currently held by Republican Mike Kehoe, who was initially sworn in in June 2018, following the resignation of former Gov. Eric Greitens. Kehoe is one of several candidates running for governor in 2024.
