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 2025. Before that, he was 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 district. From 2015 to 2018, he was the majority leader in the Senate. In 2018, Governor Mike Parson chose Kehoe to be the lieutenant governor. They were both elected for a full term in 2020.
In 2024, Kehoe won the election for governor. He defeated Democratic candidate Crystal Quade. He officially became governor in January 2025.
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Early Life and Work
Mike Kehoe grew up in the St. Louis area of Missouri. He was the youngest of six children. His mother, Lorraine Kehoe, raised him and his siblings by herself. She worked many jobs to support their family.
Kehoe went to Catholic schools in the area, including Chaminade College Preparatory School. When he was 25, he started working for a company called Osage Industries. This company made auto parts and ambulances.
In 1992, Kehoe sold Osage Industries. He then bought a car dealership in Jefferson City, Missouri. He sold the dealership soon after he decided to enter politics.
Starting in Politics
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 a seat in the Missouri Senate. He had never held an elected office before.
The Missouri Senate is part of the state's government. Senators help make laws for the state. Kehoe won a close primary election against three other candidates. He then won the general election without any opponents.
While serving in the Senate, Kehoe worked on several important committees. He was the Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also served on committees for Education, Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Energy & the Environment.
Serving as Lieutenant Governor
On June 18, 2018, Governor Mike Parson appointed Mike Kehoe as lieutenant governor. The lieutenant governor is the second-highest official in the state. They take over if the governor cannot do their job.
There was some discussion about whether the governor could make this appointment. However, the Missouri Supreme Court decided that Governor Parson had the power to appoint Kehoe. The court's decision was made in April 2019.
In 2020, Mike Kehoe ran for lieutenant governor in his own election. He won this election, which meant he was chosen by the people to continue in the role.
Becoming Governor
In March 2021, Kehoe announced that he would run for governor in 2024. The governor is the leader of the state government. They are in charge of carrying out state laws and managing state agencies.
Kehoe raised a lot of money for his campaign. He received donations from many businesses and individuals. After winning the Republican primary election, he continued his campaign.
As governor, Kehoe makes important decisions for the state. For example, he nominates people for different state positions. In April 2025, he withdrew a nomination for the Missouri Board of Education. This happened after some groups raised concerns about the person he had chosen.
Personal Life
Mike Kehoe is married to Claudia Kehoe. They got married in 1989. Together, they have four children. Kehoe is a Roman Catholic. He was the second Roman Catholic to serve as lieutenant governor of Missouri.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2018
See also
In Spanish: Mike Kehoe para niños
