Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder to run for governor

Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder plans to announce his candidacy for governor on Sunday, joining a burgeoning Republican field for what is shaping up as a wide-open 2016 primary.

Kinder’s campaign committee scheduled a 4 p.m. Sunday event near the scene of last year’s protests and civil unrest in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson that it billed as discussion about “his plans for statewide office in 2016.”

St. Louis County Republican Chairman Bruce Buwalda told The Associated Press that Kinder informed him on Friday that he will be running for governor and asked Buwalda to invite people to the announcement. Buwalda, who subsequently spread the news through an email, said he plans to join Kinder at the event and support his candidacy.

Kinder campaign adviser Pam Dixon declined to comment Friday on Kinder’s upcoming announcement.

Republicans appear headed for a crowded gubernatorial primary. Already in the race are Catherine Hanaway, who is a former U.S. attorney and former Missouri House speaker, state Sen. Mike Parson and former state Rep. Randy Asbury. St. Louis-area businessman John Brunner and former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens of St. Louis both have set up exploratory committees to run for governor. And others also could enter the race.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon is barred by term limits from seeking re-election. The only Democrat seeking to succeed him is Attorney General Chris Koster.

This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder to run for governor."