Mike Kehoe gains gubernatorial endorsement from Missouri Chamber of Commerce

JEFFERSON CITY—The political action and fundraising arm of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made its choice in the 2024 race for governor, putting its endorsement behind Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The announcement of the Missouri Chamber PAC's backing was made Tuesday.

Kehoe, who served as chairman of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce roughly 20 years ago, was the unanimous choice of chamber members. The chamber invited all gubernatorial candidates to present their campaign platforms and visions for Missouri before making the selection.

“I’m honored to receive the backing of the pro-jobs, pro-business Missouri Chamber PAC,” Kehoe said. “Missouri is a great place to do business, and as governor, I will bring a small businessman’s perspective to the office and ensure that we have the most business-friendly climate in the nation.”

Mehan points to Kehoe’s experience as a businessman and his actions to support the business community as a state senator and lieutenant governor as reasons for their endorsement.

“As our lieutenant governor, his focus on workforce development, on transportation infrastructure, on improving our legal climate, and on public safety really cinched the deal for us,” said Daniel Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Following the announcement, Kehoe responded to questions, including one that asked how he would counter criticism that this endorsement plays into the hands of his opponents, some of whom have labeled him an establishment candidate.

“Well, this is our 15th endorsement, and I would challenge anybody who criticizes these endorsements to go talk to the members of these organizations,” Kehoe said.

Kehoe is leading the pack in gubernatorial endorsements from Missouri organizations, including several from agriculture, law enforcement and automobile associations.

Beside the latest endorsement from the Missouri Chamber PAC, he’s gained the support of Missouri Dairy, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Association of Automobile Dealers, Missouri Forest Products Association, Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association, Associated General Contractors of Missouri, SITE Improvement Association, Missouri Limestone Producers Association, American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri, Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police.

Among his Republican competitors, Jay Ashcroft secured the single endorsement of Missouri Right to Life in July. The Secretary of State has recently been involved in legal battles concerning ballot language the office prepared for initiative petitions looking to restore abortion rights in Missouri.

“His positions consistently align with Missouri's pro-life majority voters. Ashcroft has the executive skills as Missouri's top election officer, and most importantly, he has demonstrated his passion for saving the lives of innocent unborn children, vulnerable seniors and those with disabilities,” said Dave Plemmons, chairman of the Missouri Right to Life State Political Action Committee, in a release.

State Sen. Bill Eigel officially announced his candidacy Friday, although he has been exploring the option for several months.

“I’ve spent the last year beating the bushes, and the answer to my search couldn’t be more clear: Missourians are tired of sending uniparty Republicans to Jefferson City that hold Missouri back from the big conservative wins that all of us are desperate for,” Eigel said in a release announcing his candidacy.

Since his official candidacy is still recent, there are no records of endorsements for Eigel’s gubernatorial campaign yet.

More: Politician or the people's lawyer? How the role of Missouri Attorney General has evolved

Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade remains the frontrunner among Democratic candidates, securing official endorsements from local labor unions, three state senators and 37 state representatives.

Quade has also received the support of the Missouri Sierra Club, an environmental organization. The group points to Quade’s voting record of supporting environmental stewardship.

“Representative Quade has shown time and again that she is willing to work hard to protect her constituents, work across the aisle for solutions, and lead her colleagues in a united front,” said Gretchen Waddell Barwick, director of the Missouri Sierra Club, in a release. “She is also an environmental champion and has voted throughout her political career to protect our clean air, clean water, wild spaces, and the people living there.”

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Quade has received endorsements from Missouri AFL-CIO, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655 and Teamsters Local 245.

“Crystal Quade has been and will continue to fight for working Missourians and their families,” said Jacob Hummel, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, in a post on X.

She also gained endorsements from former Gov. Bob Holden and former Secretary of State Jason Kander, both Democrats.

“Crystal Quade is the real deal. As a social worker, Crystal knows the hardships Missouri families are facing,” said Jason Kander in a post on X. “She’s tough, compassionate, and a proven leader. She is exactly who we need to lead Missouri forward.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri Chamber of Commerce endorses Mike Kehoe for governor in 2024