12 gubernatorial candidates file on opening day for 2024 election
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Candidates running for any office in the August primary from U.S. Senate to governor to the state legislature lined up Tuesday at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center.
A tailgate with coffee and "Vote ready" signs kicked off filing day. As early as 7 a.m., candidates and their supporters began gathering in the parking lot of the Kirkpatrick building.
Candidate filing for the August primary in Missouri opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday and will close at 5 p.m. March 26. This year is a big election year with the presidential election. And in Missouri a U.S. Senate seat and the governor's seat are up for election. The primary election is Aug. 6, followed up the general election on Nov. 5.
Elections that candidates must file with the Secretary of State's Office this year:
- U.S. Senate
- Eight U.S. Representatives
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Secretary of State
- Attorney General
- State Treasurer
- 17 State Senators – odd-numbered districts
- 163 State Representatives
- Various Circuit Court Judges*
*Associate Circuit Court judges file with the local election authority.
The most contested statewide race is for governor. Gov. Mike Parson is not running for reelection due to term limits.
Several high-ranking Republicans have announced their intent to run for governor, including Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, state Sen. Bill Eigel and army veteran Chris Wright. The three Republicans have already begun trading jabs.
Twelve candidates filed for the gubernatorial race on Tuesday:
- Darrell McClanahan III (R)
- Robert James Olson (R)
- Chris Wright (R)
- Jeremy Gundel (R)
- Mike Kehoe (R)
- Darren Grant (R)
- Bill Eigel (R)
- Jay Ashcroft (R)
- Crystal Quade (D)
- Eric Morrison (D)
- Sheryl Gladney (D)
- Bill Slantz (L)
You can find a full list of filings here.
"I'm privileged to be able to file as a candidate for governor, because I think we can do better as a state," Ashcroft said. "And I intend to move Missouri in a better direction so that all Missourians have better opportunities, as governor."
Candidates began touting their ideas Tuesday for if they do get elected.
"We're going to get rid of personal property tax," Eigel said. "We're going to protect our farmland. We're going to deal with the immigration problem that's plaguing our state. We're going to be a leader in these United States."
They're also sharing why they think they're the best candidate for office.
"I'm the candidate in the race that only not only is conservative, that's been backed by thousands of people across the state, but I also know how to govern," Kehoe said.
The most well-known Democratic candidate for governor is House Minority Leader state Rep. Crystal Quade, of Springfield. She will be joined on the ballot by entrepreneur Mike Hamra and Brenkenridge Councilwoman Sheryl Gladney.
Quade feels confident Missourians are ready for a party change, in both the governor's office and the legislature.
"We fully expect those numbers to continue to swing," Quade said. "We will break the supermajority stronghold that Republicans have in fall."
Several other notable races will affect Mid-Missourians, including lieutenant governor and secretary of state. Columbia Rep. Doug Mann's 50th District House seat will be up for grabs after he announced that he will not seek reelection, citing mental health concerns.
