The Missouri governor race 2024 is going to be fairly competitive for Republicans, and the Republican vice president candidate stands a higher chance of winning the race.
Missouri has been trending more with the Republicans in the previous years, with the previous Democratic governor being Jay Nixon in 2012.
The Republican primary is considered to have been fierce since Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe was elected.
In case Kehoe emerges the winner, the favorite to succeed the incumbent Republican Governor Mike Parson, who is also in his second and last term in office should be Kehoe.
The Democratic candidate, Crystal Quade, will have a challenging time in a state that has shifted rightward but her campaign focuses on restoring abortion and eradicating the groceries sales tax might be a push for some voters.
The Impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Roe v. Wade
In June 2022, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade let states make their own abortion laws without federal control, causing big changes in state laws.
Missouri quickly passed a nearly complete ban on abortion, only allowing it in medical emergencies and not for rape or incest.
This move shows Missouri’s conservative views on abortion and has led to legal fights, like a lawsuit from clergy members claiming the ban goes against the separation of church and state.
Candidates’ Positions on Abortion Rights
Crystal Quade, running for Missouri governor race as a Democrat, wants to bring back abortion rights in Missouri after a near-total ban.
She plans to focus on this in her campaign, backed by groups like Planned Parenthood, who see it as urgent for people affected by the strict laws.
Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, supports keeping the current laws and tightening them, matching his party’s views on abortion.
Bill Slantz, the Libertarian candidate, takes a middle ground, wanting less government involvement in personal decisions but recognizing the complicated nature of abortion laws.
The Role of Voter Initiatives in Abortion Rights
In Missouri, ballot measures give people a direct way to affect state laws and changes by allowing them to suggest and vote on new ideas and questions during the Missouri governor race.
These measures have been key in changing public policy, especially on controversial topics like abortion.
In 2022, Missouri had Amendment 3, which aimed to change the state constitution to protect the right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion, without government interference.
This shows a trend of using ballot measures to fight for abortion rights in the face of restrictive laws, similar to what has happened in other states where voters have successfully blocked anti-abortion measures.
Tax Policy as a Central Issue in the Gubernatorial Race
Missouri’s tax system has a progressive individual income tax from 2% to 4.8%, a corporate tax of 4%, and a state sales tax of 4.22%, making the total sales tax about 8.39%.
There have been recent changes to adjust tax brackets for inflation and add new deductions for business income and federal broadband grants.
In the Missouri governor race, Democratic candidate Crystal Quade wants to remove the sales tax on groceries and increase social service funding, while Republican nominee Mike Kehoe wants to get rid of the state income tax, believing it would boost the economy.
Crystal Quade’s Tax Policy Proposals
Crystal Quade, running for governor in Missouri, plans to remove the grocery sales tax to help low-income families and make things more affordable.
This is part of her wider plan to fund social services and education. Quade aims to reduce the financial strain on families facing high living costs, especially those with little money.
She also wants to support social services to help those in need and work towards a fairer economy in the state.
Mike Kehoe’s Tax Policy Agenda
Republican candidate Mike Kehoe, who is competing for the Missouri governor race, believes that eliminating the state income tax is the solution that would bring improvement: ‘people would have more money for their wallets and come to Missouri to work or start a family, as nine other states without this type of tax’.
However, reducing taxes can sometimes prove to be unprofitable and lead to a lack of funds for necessary institutions such as schools, hospitals, and roads.
Kehoe believes that one has to sacrifice and try to combine cutting taxes and funding these services that advocate for careful planning on how the state’s finances will be affected by massive changes in the tax system.
Public Opinion on Abortion Rights and Tax Policy
Missouri governor race is closely contested, with Republican Mike Kehoe slightly leading Democratic Crystal Quade.
A recent survey shows Kehoe at 38%, Quade at 33%, and 29% undecided. Quade usually performs better against Republicans like Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel, but Republicans are currently ahead in Missouri, which has been Republican-leaning recently.
Key issues for voters are abortion rights and taxes, with Quade aiming to restore abortion access and eliminate the grocery tax, while Kehoe wants to restrict abortion and remove the state income tax.
The Missouri governor race’s result could hinge on Quade’s ability to attract Democratic and independent voters who are leaning towards conservatism.
Media Coverage of Abortion and Tax Issues
The news is highlighting key issues such as abortion and taxes, which are major factors influencing voters’ decisions. Candidates like Crystal Quade, advocating for abortion rights, and Mike Kehoe, proposing the elimination of state income tax, stand out.
As the Missouri governor race approaches, the portrayal of candidates and the coverage of their policies could significantly affect voter participation and the election outcome.
The Missouri governor race’s result will impact current policies and shape Missouri’s political landscape, potentially affecting future elections and legislation.
The 2024 Missouri governor race is crucial, focusing on Abortion rights and tax policies, revealing what society values. Candidates’ plans highlight societal priorities. Missouri’s future and national debates on these issues depend on voter participation.
