Mike Kehoe

Missouri Republicans are gearing up for an unusual 2026 election cycle in which state legislative and countywide contests and ballot items could take precedence over statewide races.

New Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is facing a $300 million showdown over education spending in Jefferson City. His budget proposal didn't include enough money to fund schools at the level that state law demands, and some legislators are pushing back.

Gov. Mike Kehoe's executive order directs all state agencies to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, mirroring an order by President Trump. It also bars state funds from going towards such programs.

With plans to beef up funding for law enforcement and have the state take over control of the police department in St. Louis, Kehoe hopes to make public safety the cornerstone of his administration. He's also promised to eliminate the income tax.

In his first State of the State as Missouri governor, Mike Kehoe described a lack of hope among young people due to crime. He urged the General Assembly to pass legislation that would support law enforcement officers and increase penalties.

Kehoe highlighted a number of new budget items that seek to reduce the state’s crime rate, including a new state crime lab and more money for local departments. He also reiterated his support for a state board overseeing St. Louis Police, taking away local control from the city.

Kehoe said one of his priorities for cutting taxes this year is to exempt capital gains — the profits from sale of investments like a business or stocks. But doing that would reduce Missouri's revenue by about $300 million annually.

Soon after being sworn in as governor, Kehoe signed executive orders requiring law enforcement to include the immigration status of individuals in arrest reports, and authorized the creation of a program called "Operation Relentless Pursuit.”

The 62-year-old St. Louis native, who served as Missouri’s lieutenant governor and as a state senator, took the oath of office Monday. He immediately signed executive orders on crime and immigration, and pledged to be "at the table" to negotiate with the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

For the first time since 2018, Missouri lawmakers will work with a new governor. While outgoing Gov. Mike Parson pushed a more budget-focused agenda, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe already has established policy goals — and a Republican supermajority to accomplish them with.

Jessica Bax is the new director of the Missouri Department of Social Services. She's currently a division director in the Department of Mental Health.

The leader of Planned Parenthood Great Plains says the move is a ploy to prevent a Jackson County judge from potentially knocking down other abortion restrictions. Andrew Bailey says his office will continue to enforce laws requiring parental consent and outlawing coercion.