Past gas tax hike support risks Kehoe GOP bid for MO governor

When proponents of raising Missouri’s gas tax launched an unsuccessful campaign in 2018, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the effort. After state lawmakers finally increased the tax in 2021, the first time in 25 years, he participated in celebratory signing ceremonies.

“This is not a Democrat or Republican issue,” Kehoe said in 2018.

It is very much a Republican issue now.

For months, Kehoe has come under relentless attacks for his past support of gas tax increases. He faces two major opponents in the Republican race for Missouri governor – Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring. Both have seized on Kehoe’s gas tax record to suggest the lieutenant governor would eagerly raise taxes if he secures the top job. The gas tax represents a core funding source for roads and highways across Missouri. Before 2021 the gas tax was 17 cents a gallon but is rising to 29.5 cents by July 1, 2025, generating more than $400 million in additional annual revenue.