ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Mike Kehoe was officially sworn in as the 58th governor of Missouri Monday afternoon in Jefferson City, Missouri.
The ceremony featured appearances from former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) and Kehoe's predecessor Mike Parson (R), former Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R), current Missouri U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner and current Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt.
"Eight years ago, I had the honor to be the first person to introduce the new president of the United States Donald Trump," said Blunt in a speech. "Today, I have an equally great honor to introduce to Missourians and people who understand and love our state the 58th governor of the state of Missouri."
Kehoe defeated Democratic rival Crystal Quade in November's gubernatorial election, with Kehoe cruising to victory with nearly a 21 point margin. The dominant victory came after a tight Republican primary in August that saw Kehoe emerge victorious over Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Missouri State Sen. Bill Eigel.
Kehoe is the first sitting lieutenant governor to win the state’s top job since Democrat Mel Carnahan did back in 1993.
Kehoe in his inauguration speech Monday afternoon focused on controlling crime, expanding education options and cutting taxes as his top priorities.
"In the coming weeks, months and years, my administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal." said Kehoe.
When it comes to education, Kehoe indicated he wanted to build on legislation that last year expanded a tax credit used for private schools and allowed for establishment of a charter school in Boone County, as well as increasing base teacher pay.
"Securing Missouri’s future means strengthening public education and expanding school choice so that every single student has the opportunity to get a world class education," said Kehoe.
Kehoe also said in his inauguration speech he wanted to work for solutions and would remain open to proposals regardless of their source.
"This is my promise to you," Kehoe said. "I will talk to anyone, work with anyone, and root for anyone who has a good idea to make our state safer, stronger, and better."
Kehoe, who will turn 63 on Friday, built a successful car dealership in Jefferson City before being appointed to the state Highways and Transportation Commission in 2005 by then-Gov. Matt Blunt.
Kehoe made his first bid for public office with a run for the state Senate in 2010. The Republican was appointed to replace Mike Parson as lieutenant governor in 2018 after Parson was elevated to the governor’s office following the resignation of Eric Greitens.
"My life—growing up in the inner city, moving to a small town, building businesses, and operating a ranch—these experiences have taught me one thing: Missourians are more alike than we are different," Kehoe said.
The Missouri Independent also contributed to this story.