Mike Kehoe was elected the 58th Governor of Missouri on November 5, 2024, and will officially take office on January 13, 2025. His career has been marked by a deep commitment to Missouri’s economic growth and the well-being of its people.

Mike, the youngest of six children, was raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to support their family. At just 15, he began washing cars for Dave Sinclair, quickly rising through the ranks at the dealership. By 25, Mike had taken charge of Osage Industries, a van conversion and ambulance manufacturing company in Linn, Missouri, which was struggling financially. Instead of selling the business, Mike purchased it and turned it around. Today, Osage Industries is one of the largest ambulance manufacturers in the world.

In 1992, Mike became one of the youngest Ford dealership owners in the country, relocating to Jefferson City. Over the next three decades, he grew his business and became deeply involved in his community by supporting schools, businesses, and civic organizations.

Mike’s public service began in 2005 when Governor Matt Blunt appointed him to the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission (MHTC), where he served for over four years, including as chairman. Under his leadership, Missouri’s road system improved from the third worst in the nation to the fifth best. In 2010, Mike was elected to the Missouri State Senate and was later chosen by his colleagues to serve as Majority Floor Leader. In this role, he worked across party lines to create jobs, reduce taxes, cut unnecessary regulations, and reform frivolous lawsuits.

As Lieutenant Governor, Mike was a champion for Missouri businesses and manufacturers, promoted the state’s tourism industry, and served as the official advocate for Missouri’s seniors and veterans. He worked closely with the veterans commission and many veterans organizations to ensure that the men and women who served our country receive the care and benefits they deserve.

Mike and his wife, Claudia, are proud parents of four children and look forward to becoming first-time grandparents soon. Outside of politics, Mike is a retired cutting horse champion and first-generation farmer, maintaining a successful beef cattle production on their family farm in Phelps and Pulaski counties.

Claudia Kehoe earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Creighton University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University. She began her professional career in the banking sector, gaining valuable experience with several financial institutions in the St. Louis area.

Mike and Claudia married in 1989, and together, were blessed with four children. As a young mother, she quickly recognized the importance of community involvement. She began her volunteer service at St. Joseph Cathedral and Helias Catholic High School. Her work there sparked a deep passion for charitable service, leading Claudia to dedicate nearly 30 years to various nonprofit efforts in central Missouri. She has served on the boards of the Mid-Missouri SSM Health Hospital Foundation, the Jefferson City Area YMCA, the United Way of Central Missouri, the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Notably, Claudia played a key role in expanding and enhancing the Buddy Packs Program at the Food Bank, collaborating with local volunteers to support children in need.

Recently, Claudia was elected to the Board of Directors of JAG-Missouri, an organization focused on helping students graduate from high school and prepare for college, military service, or a career.

Mike and Claudia have called mid-Missouri home for over 30 years and remain active in several local and statewide organizations. In addition to their community work, the Kehoe’s manage a beef cattle operation on their family farm and enjoy spending time with their family and the many friends they have met on their travels throughout the state.