The 2024 gubernatorial race is important for Missourians. Mike Kehoe, currently serving as Missouri’s 48th lieutenant governor, is running to be Missouri’s next governor. Kehoe is focused on securing Missouri’s future and understands the importance of supporting the agriculture industry and the hard-working farmers behind it.
Kehoe and his wife, Claudia, are first-generation farmers, raising cattle on their farm in Phelps and Pulaski counties.
“Claudia and I appreciate all of the farm families across our state who work hard to feed, fuel and clothe the world,” said Kehoe. “I’ll never forget the support I have received from the Missouri Soybean Association and the agriculture community, and I’m ready to work for farmers as Missouri’s next governor.”
As the growers’ voice on policy for more than 50 years, MSA takes pride in its candidate selection and support. Kehoe’s consistent support for the agricultural industry and soybean stakeholders on key issues led the Missouri Soybean Association’s (MSA) board of directors to endorse Kehoe for governor in 2024.
“It’s critical that we have a trusted friend of agriculture in the governor’s office, serving with as much knowledge and passion to better the industry as we are through the Association,” said Renee Fordyce, MSA president. “Soybean producers are faced with issues every day that heavily impact the way we operate on our family farms. Kehoe is a true champion for agriculture who growers can trust.”
MSA is not alone in its decision to back Kehoe. Missouri’s major agricultural commodity groups have endorsed his candidacy, sharing MSA’s belief that he is the right person to support Missouri farmers and ranchers.
“Our members join the thousands of other agriculture partners across the state in backing Mike Kehoe for governor,” said Gary Wheeler, CEO and executive director of Missouri Soybeans. “While other gubernatorial candidates claim to be a friend of agriculture, we know Mike Kehoe is the real deal. He supports all sectors of agriculture, from row crops to livestock, and will work to continue expanding agriculture’s reach as our next governor.”
Kehoe knows the importance of relationships. A man of strong faith and family values, Kehoe stays grounded in his relationships with Missourians across the state. His ability to connect with Missourians from all walks of life is rooted in his background. Growing up in North St. Louis City from very humble beginnings, he worked his way up to build several successful businesses before getting into politics.
“Claudia and I have been blessed to travel the state and hear the stories of so many Missourians,” said Kehoe. “We have built some incredible relationships, and those drive us to continue to serve Missourians and ensure hard-working farmers have the tools they need to be successful.”
During his time as lieutenant governor and a state senator, Kehoe has utilized relationships in his work to improve infrastructure efforts and protect Missouri’s farmers. Whether advocating for rural road and bridge funding, protecting private property rights or fighting overreaching federal infringement, Kehoe has a record of accomplishing big wins for Missouri family farms.
To protect the livelihoods of Missouri farmers, his campaign focuses on policies to fight crime, improve Missouri’s education system, grow the state’s agriculture industry and promote Missouri on the world stage through economic development. Kehoe’s Day One crime plan to support law enforcement and foster safe communities will benefit urban and rural Missourians across the state. He is prioritizing policies as governor to get government out of the farmers’ way by cutting taxes and slashing unnecessary regulations.
“Missourians are smart, and they can spend their money much better than any government bureaucrat can,” said Kehoe. “Government should be there when Missourians need essential services, but as governor, I’ll work to empower Missourians with even more opportunities to make our state the best state to live, work and raise a family.”
Missouri Soybeans believes Mike Kehoe is the right person to move our state forward and secure the future of Missouri agriculture for generations to come. Join MSA and the soybean producers of Missouri in supporting Mike Kehoe, friend of agriculture, in the Republican gubernatorial primary election on Aug. 6, 2024.
