JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Mike Kehoe defeats Crystal Quade in the race to become Missouri’s next governor, the Associated Press projects.

Kehoe, after seven years as Missouri Lieutenant Governor under outgoing Gov. Mike Parson, wins his bid to serve as the gubernatorial successor, according to Race Call projections from The Associated Press.

Kehoe, a Republican, became lieutenant governor in 2018 after Parson assumed governorship following the resignation of Eric Greitens. Prior to then, Kehoe had a background in legislative roles in Missouri, spending seven years of experience in the Missouri Senate, three as a majority leader.

During his campaign, Kehoe touted endorsements from public safety and agricultural groups, while also running on key issues such as education, workforce development and crime reduction, according to his campaign website.

Kehoe’s projected victory maintains Republican control of the Missouri Governor’s Office, a seat with a GOP stronghold since 2017. Historically, the governor’s race has been split nearly half-and-half between the GOP and Democratic party.

Meanwhile, Quade, after six years as the Missouri House Minority Leader, falls shot in her campaign for Missouri Governor as a Democratic candidate.

Quade became the House Minority Leader in 2019 after two years of experience in the state house of representatives. She has also served on the state’s budget committee for several years.

Quade focused her campaign around restoring abortion rights, challenging corporate special interests and protecting Missouri farmers, according to her campaign website.

Kehoe will assume the office of governor in January.