Mike Kehoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Kehoe
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Official portrait, 2018
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| 58th Governor of Missouri | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2025 |
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| Lieutenant | David Wasinger |
| Preceded by | Mike Parson |
| 48th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri | |
| In office June 18, 2018 – January 13, 2025 |
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| Governor | Mike Parson |
| Preceded by | Mike Parson |
| Succeeded by | David Wasinger |
| Majority Leader of the Missouri Senate | |
| In office September 15, 2015 – June 18, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Ron Richard |
| Succeeded by | Caleb Rowden |
| Member of the Missouri Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office January 5, 2011 – June 18, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Carl M. Vogel |
| Succeeded by | Mike Bernskoetter |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Leo Kehoe
January 17, 1962 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Claudia Kehoe
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
Michael Leo Kehoe (born January 17, 1962) is an American politician. He became the 58th governor of Missouri in January 2025. Before that, he served as the 48th lieutenant governor of Missouri from 2018 to 2025. Kehoe is a member of the Republican Party.
He also served in the Missouri Senate, representing the 6th senatorial district. From 2015 to 2018, he was the majority leader in the Senate. In June 2018, Governor Mike Parson chose Kehoe to be Missouri's lieutenant governor. Parson and Kehoe were then elected to a full term in 2020.
Kehoe won the election for governor in November 2024. He defeated Democratic candidate Crystal Quade. He officially became governor in January 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Growing Up in St. Louis
Mike Kehoe was born on January 17, 1962. He grew up in the St. Louis, Missouri area. He is the youngest of six children. His mother, Lorraine Kehoe, raised him and his siblings by herself. She worked many jobs to support her family. Mike attended Catholic schools in the area, including Chaminade College Preparatory School.
Starting His Career
When he was 25, Kehoe started working for a company called Osage Industries. This company made auto parts and ambulances. In 1992, he sold Osage Industries. Later, he bought a car dealership in Jefferson City, Missouri. He sold this dealership when he decided to enter politics.
Political Journey
Serving in the Missouri Senate
In 2005, Governor Matt Blunt appointed Kehoe to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. This was his first step into public service. In 2010, Kehoe ran for the 6th District State Senate seat. He won the Republican primary election against three other candidates. He then won the general election without an opponent.
During his time in the General Assembly, Kehoe worked on several important committees:
- He was the Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Committee.
- He was a member of the Education Committee.
- He was also a member of the Commerce Committee.
- He served on the Consumer Protection Committee.
- He was a member of the Energy & the Environment Committee.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
On June 18, 2018, Governor Mike Parson appointed Mike Kehoe as lieutenant governor. There was some discussion about whether the governor could make this appointment. However, the Missouri Supreme Court decided in April 2019 that Governor Parson had the power to appoint Kehoe.
In 2020, Kehoe ran for lieutenant governor in his own election. He won, becoming the elected lieutenant governor of Missouri.
Running for Governor
In March 2021, Mike Kehoe announced he would run for governor in 2024. He raised a lot of money for his campaign. He won the Republican primary election. In November 2024, he won the general election for governor.
As Governor of Missouri
Mike Kehoe became the Governor of Missouri in January 2025. As governor, he has signed new laws. For example, in July 2025, he signed a law that changed a voter-approved measure about the state's minimum wage and paid sick leave. He also signed a law that allows landlords to make decisions about tenants based on how they pay rent.
Key Appointments
In April 2025, Governor Kehoe chose to withdraw his nomination for Tom Prater to the Missouri Board of Education. This decision came after some groups raised concerns about Prater's support for public schools and teacher unions.
Personal Life
Mike Kehoe is married to Claudia Kehoe. They got married in 1989 and have four children. He is the second Roman Catholic to serve as lieutenant governor of Missouri.
Electoral History Highlights
Mike Kehoe has won several elections throughout his political career. He won his first election for State Senator in 2010. He was re-elected as State Senator in 2014. In 2020, he won the election to become Lieutenant Governor. Most recently, in 2024, he won the election to become Governor of Missouri.
See also
In Spanish: Mike Kehoe para niños
