The next governor of Missouri will be decided in a highly-anticipated race in 2024. Missouri, which has a population of 6.1 million people, is gearing up for a new leader who will dictate how the state operates on a daily basis. The race for governor in 2024 is poised to be competitive with a bevy of qualified candidates. As bettors wait for Missouri sportsbooks to become legal, you can count on these MO residents to be watching closely to see who could be the next governor; thereby, helping or hurting the legalization efforts.
The state has a deep history of Democratic governors but has recently been under the leadership of the Republican party. Governor Michael L. Parson has served as Missouri’s 57th governor since 2018 after being awarded the position following the resignation of former governor Eric R. Greitens amid several scandals. Parson, a Republican, defeated Democratic challenger Nicole Galloway during a reelection bid in 2020. Missourians are anxious to see who’s next as next year's gubernatorial race quickly approaches.
Who Is Running for Missouri Governor in 2024?
The 2024 Missouri governor election features a group of candidates who are familiar with the state’s politics. The group features Republican candidates Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, Chris Wright, and Bill Eigel. Crystal Quade has emerged as the lone Democratic candidate seeking the position in Missouri. Meanwhile, betting odds for the state's 2024 gubernatorial election are currently not available.
2024 General Election for Governor of Missouri
Jay Ashcroft
Ashcroft is seeking Missouri’s role as governor as he currently serves as the state’s 40th Secretary of State. The Republican assumed his role as Secretary of State in 2016 and was reelected four years later. Ashcroft had considered running for governor in 2020 but would remain in his role. In 2024, the 50-year-old and son of a former politician will have the opportunity to take his political career to new heights if elected. As a governor, Ashcroft has vowed to support issues regarding abortion and education reform.
Crystal Quade
Quade is the only Democratic candidate to officially announce their intention to run for governor. She has served as the House Minority Leader of the Missouri House of Representatives since 2019. If elected, the Missouri State graduate would become the Show-Me State’s first female governor. Quade intends to work on repealing the state’s abortion ban and protecting children in that role. “I’m running for Governor for one simple reason, because Missouri’s parents working extra shifts today, have children who need to beat the odds tomorrow,” said Quade.
Mike Kehoe
Kehoe is entering the 2024 gubernatorial race as Missouri’s 48th Lieutenant Governor. The Republican was appointed in 2018 by Governor Mike Parson. Kehoe would then be reelected to a full term in 2020. The 61-year-old began his political career in 2005 after former governor Matthew Blunt asked the small businessman to serve on the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. Five years later, Kehoe would be elected to the Missouri Senate. Kehoe has taken a strong stance on issues that include economic development and affordable housing.
Bill Eigel
The Air Force veteran enters the Missouri gubernatorial election as a member of the state’s Senate. Eigel, who assumed his seat in 2017, is seeking the role as governor despite a young political career. The Republican faces an uphill battle to win the election but has continued to voice his stance on trending issues. “I am the only 2024 Missouri candidate that thinks there should be a 100% ban on foreign ownership of Missouri farmland,” said Eigel in an ad.
Chris Wright
Wright is another candidate with a military background looking to become Missouri’s next governor. The combat veteran, who completed a deployment to Iraq in 2003, currently serves in the Army National Guard with 23 years of military service. Wright also has experience with Missouri’s state and local governments after more than five years in law enforcement. The Republican candidate aims to ensure the protection of the Second Amendment if elected governor.
When Is the 2024 Missouri Governor Elections?
Missouri will hold its 2024 primary elections on Aug. 6, 2024. The state's residents will then vote for the gubernatorial election on Nov. 5, 2024. Most likely odds for the 2024 Missouri governor will be available 1 year to 9 months before the elections take place.
Can You Bet on Politics in Missouri?
Missourians are unable to wager on politics. Public officials in the state have been unable to pass a legal betting bill due to lack of support in the Missouri Senate. You won't find Missouri sportsbook promos, nor any sort of offer for political betting.
Missouri Gubernatorial Race 2024 FAQs
Mike Parson assumed office as Missouri's 57th governor in 2018. The former sheriff of Polk County was reelected in 2020 after defeating Democratic candidate and former Missouri state auditor Nicole Galloway.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe as Republican candidates for governor. The party will also see veterans Chris Wright and Bill Eigel vie for the position. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade is the only Democratic candidate seeking governor.
Ashcroft has emerged as a likely candidate to win based his ability to capture reelection as Secretary of State in 2020. Missourians are also familiar with the candidate as his father, John Ashcroft, is a former Missouri governor and U.S. Attorney General.
A governor in Missouri is only permitted to serve two four-year terms. As a result, Governor Mike Parson is term limited and cannot seek reelection.
Former governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon was Missouri's last Democratic governor. Nixon served as Missouri's 55th governor from 2009 to 2017.
A candidate can hold the position for a maximum of eight years. A governor can win reelection following an initial four-year term.
Former governor Eric Greitens held the position before the Parson administration. Greitens served as governor from 2017 to 2018 before resigning amid criminal charges.
Parson is unable to run for governor again due to his term limit. Parson was elected in 2018 and due to reelection in 2020 is unable to run.
A governor in Missouri has a four-year term of office. They are able to run for a second four-year term for a potential eight-year tenure.
Author
Justin Byers previously worked at Front Office Sports as a Business Writer with stops at FanSided covering the NBA and at the Indianapolis Star as a Sports News Clerk. Byers received his B.A. in Political Science from Emmanuel College and M.A. in Sports Journalism from Indiana University. He currently resides in Indianapolis.
