GOP state senator appointed Missouri lieutenant governor.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson appointed state Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe to be the new lieutenant governor on Monday, despite some legal uncertainty about whether he has the authority to fill the position.
Missouri’s constitution isn’t clear on whether a governor has the authority to appoint a lieutenant governor, which is the state’s second-ranking executive position. Historically, some governors have claimed the right to do so, but legislators have argued that the position must be filled by voters, since the governor and lieutenant governor are elected separately.
The lieutenant governor’s office has been vacant since June 1, when former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned and Parson ascended to the top spot.
Both Parson and Kehoe are Republicans.