The Fox News Decision Desk projects Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe to win the open Missouri gubernatorial race over Democratic challenger Crystal Quaid.
Kehoe served as lieutenant governor of Missouri during his candidacy and is a former state senator and businessman. He has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign, pledging to hire more law enforcement officers to reduce crime and enact tougher penalties for fentanyl dealers.
Kehoe, who has the backing of former President Trump, also advocates for tax cuts, including eliminating state income taxes, and strong pro-business policies.
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Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Republican candidate for Missouri governor. (AP)
Quaid, the minority leader in the Missouri House of Representatives, ran on a progressive platform centered around abortion, child care and expanding access to public education.
Libertarian challenger Bill Slainz is a business owner with a background in radio and television consulting. Mr. Slants' campaign focused on limiting government intervention and repealing income taxes, Social Security, and minimum wage laws.
Green Party candidate Paul Lehman, a former farmer and former minister, campaigned on environmental sustainability and social justice themes. One of his policy proposals was to implement universal healthcare and move to renewable energy sources.
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Missouri gubernatorial elections have trended toward Republicans in recent years, with Gov. Mike Parson, who took office following the resignation of fellow Republican Eric Greitens in 2018, winning in 2020.
Before Parson, Greitens won the 2016 election, continuing the state's Republican-held streak. Previously, Democratic Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon held the position from 2009 until the 2016 election.
