Parson says he’ll campaign to help Republicans win elections in November

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Republicans voted on Tuesday to continue the current direction of state government under Gov. Mike Parson, which the governor said he was not surprised by.

"It was a great night for me as the governor and a great night personally because of all of these guys that I got to select to serve in those positions," Parson said.

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe won the Republican nomination for governor, while Attorney General Andrew Bailey and State Treasurer Vivek Malek both won the nomination in their respective offices.

All three were appointed to their positions by Parson during his time in office. He then endorsed them all in this year's election.

"The one thing all three of these men that won the elections that had in common that I endorsed, they all come from very humble beginnings," Parson said. "They work hard, they treat people right and they just want what's best for Missouri."

In November, Kehoe will face off against House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield), Bailey will face Elad Gross and Malek will go up against Mark Osmack.

LINK: Full interview with Gov. Mike Parson

Parson plans to hit the campaign trail to help Republicans win on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For Kehoe, Bailey and Malek, Parson said it's personal.

"I asked them to give up their lives to help me be governor of the state of Missouri and they all did and answered the call," Parson said. "My job right now is to make sure I get them across the finish line in November."

While he said he'll let the history books decide what to make of his legacy, Parson believes this week's election shows Missourians want to continue in the current direction the state is going.

He said he is confident going into November.

Along with governor, attorney general and treasurer, other races Parson said he'll campaign for this fall are the lieutenant governor and secretary of state offices.

In the Republican Secretary of State race, Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Cooper County) won with 24% of the vote. Parson said this leaves a lot of voters that still need convincing. Hoskins faces Barbara Phifer, who won the Democratic primary with 41% of the vote.

Parson believes Missouri has a good track record of keeping elections smooth and fair and believes it's important for the next secretary of state to continue that pattern.

In the legislature, Parson said he is not sure how the election will turn out.

Boone County will have a new face as its state senator as voters will pick between Republican James Coyne and Democrat Stephen Webber. Parson said Boone County is a very competitive seat with lots of opportunity for growth between the University of Missouri, Columbia Regional Airport and improvements to Interstate 70.

"It's really important they get the right person up here that's going to represent the people of Boone County and the surrounding area to make sure that they come up here with the idea 'We want to do what's best for home,'" Parson said. "But, at the same time, they've got to understand they are a state senator and they've got to also understand what's best for the State of Missouri."

No matter who voters elect this fall, Parson said it's important for lawmakers to remember they are public servants. He said candidates need to avoid worrying if they are making headlines and instead focus on serving the people of Missouri.

"I would tell everybody the one thing that they should remember, Democrat or Republican: You need to remember the first day you came up here and you had the opportunity to sit at the seat very few people get to, and you need to remember you're working for the people back home," Parson said.

After the election, Parson said he intends to work to make it a smooth transition for the next administration.

Then, he plans to go back home to southwest Missouri to spend time with family and be on the farm.

"I don't want to be in the political arena any longer," Parson said. "I feel like I've done my time, and I'll say this: There is a time you need to go home, and I think that my time is now."

Parson became Missouri's 57th governor in 2018 after former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned. He was then elected to the position by Missouri voters in 2020.

Parson said he is proud of all his administration has accomplished over the years and the trials it worked through including the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, tornados, civil unrest, train derailments and chemical spills.

He is also proud of the talks that happened between both sides of the aisle over workforce development and infrastructure.

"There's just so many good things going on every day in our state and we're just thankful we live in the Midwest," Parson said. "It's been one of the highest honors I've ever had being the governor of this great state."