Debates shaping Missouri politics under Gov. Mike Kehoe

Missouri under Gov. Mike Kehoe is embroiled in fierce debates on issues that affect the state’s future. Kehoe’s administration has pushed a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state agencies, sparking both support and criticism for its impact on civil rights and hiring practices. Stadium funding for the Chiefs and Royals remains contentious, with proposals for Clay County sports complexes and closed-door talks, but few clear answers on how to keep the teams from leaving.

The state is also debating police oversight, as legislators consider bringing St. Louis police under state control, mirroring Kansas City's structure. Meanwhile, education reforms, tax proposals and government transparency continue to fuel ongoing policy battles that define the Kehoe era.

The Missouri Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Jefferson City.

NO. 1: THE MISSOURI CAPITOL RECEIVED BOMB THREATS THAT WENT UNREPORTED, KC-AREA LAWMAKERS SAY

Kansas City-area lawmakers are concerned about Capitol security as large crowds are expected to descend on Jefferson City for the inauguration of Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed executive orders after taking the oath of office. Two of the orders seek to combat illegal immigration.

NO. 2: MISSOURI, KANSAS GOP OFFICIALS PREPARE TO HELP TRUMP WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CLAMPDOWN

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed two executive orders aimed at combating illegal immigration as part of his official act in office. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman Kacen Bayless Daniel Desrochers Matthew Kelly

NO. 3: 5 ISSUES TO LOOK FOR IN NEW MISSOURI GOV. MIKE KEHOE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS | OPINION

One possibility: His campaign touted connections with Arthur Laffer, architect of Sam Brownback’s failed “tax experiment” in Kansas. | Opinion | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by The Kansas City Star Editorial Board

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks at first State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2024. Kehoe is asking lawmakers to approve $40.5 million for Kansas City’s World Cup efforts.

NO. 4: MISSOURI’S NEW GOVERNOR WANTS TO KEEP CHIEFS, ROYALS. HOW HE PLANS TO DO IT IS A MYSTERY

During Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s first State of the State address, the future of the Chiefs and Royals earned only a passing nod. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless Jonathan Shorman

The Missouri Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Jefferson City. By Nick Wagner

NO. 5: THESE ARE THE HIGHEST PAID MISSOURI STATE EMPLOYEES. ONE MADE OVER $500K IN 2024

Find out where your tax dollars went. | Published January 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe enters the House chamber ahead of his State of the State speech. By Tim Bommel

NO. 6: MISSOURI GOV. MIKE KEHOE BANS DIVERSITY PROGRAMS FROM ALL STATE AGENCIES

Kansas City activists and lawmakers have said the broader push against diversity initiatives signals a step backwards in the fight over civil rights | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

NO. 7: KEHOE BANS DEI, CLAIMING TO ENSURE FAIRNESS. IT REALLY PERPETUATES DISCRIMINATION | OPINION

Missouri NAACP president Nimrod Chapel criticized the new governor’s order as rooted in anti-Blackness and harmful to minorities. From Toriano Porter | Published February 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Toriano Porter

NO. 8: KC DEMOCRATS JOIN GOP PUSH FOR STATE CONTROL OF ST. LOUIS POLICE. WHAT’S IT MEAN FOR KCPD?

The vote has frustrated local activists, who have long fought to bring Kansas City back in control of its own police department. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless Cayli Yanagida

NO. 9: CHIEFS OR ROYALS IN CLAY COUNTY? MISSOURI SENATE OKS NEW PLAN TO LURE TEAMS

The legislation could potentially open the door for a new Chiefs training facility or a Royals stadium in Clay County. | Published April 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless

NO. 10: MIKE KEHOE’S REFORMS FOR MISSOURI SCHOOLS ARE POLITICS, NOT SOUND POLICY | OPINION

The State Board of Education needs experts in education, not corporate attorneys and D.C. lobbyists. | Opinion | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tristan Satterlee

NO. 11: AN 11TH-HOUR PLAN TO KEEP CHIEFS, ROYALS IN MISSOURI? TOP REPUBLICANS TO DISCUSS

The anticipated gathering comes as Missouri lawmakers are poised to debate a bill to potentially lure the Kansas City Royals to Clay County. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kacen Bayless Sam McDowell Jonathan Shorman

A view from a distance of Kauffman Stadium as the Royals faced off against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. By Dominick Williams

NO. 12: MISSOURI LEADERS SAY PLAN TO KEEP CHIEFS, ROYALS WILL BOOST ECONOMY. EXPERTS DISAGREE

Researchers over decades have found that stadiums aren’t major drivers of economic development. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.