Kehoe Wins Missouri Governor's Race; GOP Stronghold

Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe has won the Missouri governor's race, defeating Democratic challenger Crystal Quade, and will succeed GOP Gov. Mike Parson, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection. Kehoe, endorsed by former President Trump, focused his campaign on public safety, crime reduction, and economic improvement, while Quade centered hers on expanding abortion rights, child care, and public education. Missouri remains a Republican stronghold, with the GOP controlling the state House and Senate and no Democrats in statewide office. The abortion amendment, which Quade supported, was a significant issue in the race, with Kehoe opposing it but open to certain exceptions. Kehoe's victory maintains the GOP's grip on Missouri, a state that has leaned Republican in gubernatorial elections since 1996. Meanwhile, in Indiana, Republican Mike Braun is favored to extend the GOP's 20-year hold on the governor's office against Democrat Jennifer McCormick.