Mike Kehoe sworn in as Missouri's 58th governor

Inauguration Day marks a new chapter of leadership in the Show-Me State

On a cold but sun-splashed day in January before Missourians from throughout the state, Mike Kehoe took the oath of office and officially became Missouri's 58th governor. Surrounded by his family, Gov. Kehoe was sworn into office by former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, shortly after noon on Jan. 13

Using a bible that belonged to his mother, Lorriane Kehoe, Gov. Kehoe takes the oath of office and is sworn in by former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt. Photo courtesy of the governor's office.

“My life—growing up in the inner city, moving to a small town, building businesses, operating a ranch—these experiences have taught me one thing: Missourians are more alike than we are different,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe during his Inauguration Day address. "It will take each of us, working together, to secure an even safer, stronger and more prosperous Missouri.”

No stranger to public office, Gov. Kehoe recently served as the state's lieutenant governor. Prior to his time as the state's No. 2 executive, he represented several Mid-Missouri communities in the Missouri Senate. Following his inauguration ceremony, Gov. Kehoe wasted little time before getting to work. In his first official act, the governor issued six executive orders designed to prioritize public safety and support law enforcement.

"Securing Missouri's future begins with public safety. Too many Missourians don’t feel safe – and too many Missourians aren't safe," said Gov. Kehoe. "When people are afraid for their lives and for their families, they cannot be productive, and they will not prosper."

The day's inauguration ceremony also included the swearing in of Lieutenant Gov. David Wasinger, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, State Treasurer Vivek Malek and Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

All eyes now turn to the governor's State of the State address on Jan. 28. The speech will mark the governor's first major policy address where he is expected to lay out his legislative agenda for the 2025 legislative session and present the General Assembly with his proposed state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.