Eigel blasts Kehoe as Bailey's political future draws attention

Missouri's 2028 governor's race is already generating political attention.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signals plans to seek reelection, while a former Republican rival blasts his leadership and a former attorney general could enter the fold.

Former state Sen. Bill Eigel, who finished second to Kehoe in the 2024 Republican gubernatorial primary, unleashed sharp criticism of the governor Thursday on social media.

Eigel called the past two years the worst period of Republican control in Missouri since the party gained its legislative majority in the early 2000s, arguing that GOP leadership has failed to deliver results.

He also claimed the Missouri Republican Party is more fractured than ever under Kehoe's leadership.

Eigel specifically mentioned Bailey, writing that he wasn't sure the former attorney general was the answer, but that "someone needs to stop this derailing train."

The criticism comes as Bailey's sudden return to Missouri from Washington fuels speculation about a potential Republican primary challenge in 2028.

Bailey resigned last week as co-deputy director of the FBI, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

During a Republican gathering Tuesday in Columbia, Bailey emphasized his commitment to conservative causes while insisting he is not currently seeking political office.

"I'm not a candidate for public office. I'm not a politician. I'm a public servant," Bailey said in a separate interview.

However, Bailey has not ruled out another campaign and suggested there is a disconnect between Missouri voters and the political establishment in Jefferson City.

Kehoe, meanwhile, confirmed Wednesday that he intends to seek a second term.

The governor dismissed concerns about a potential primary challenge, expressing admiration for Bailey and saying political competition comes with the job.

This comes as Kehoe faces declining approval ratings.

An August survey of 900 likely Missouri voters found 40% approved of his performance as governor, while 49% disapproved.

The results marked his lowest approval ratings in the survey's history.

Kehoe won 2024’s Republican primary with 39.4% of the vote, while Eigel received 32.5% and then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft finished third with 23.2%.