Calling him a “visionary” job creator, conservative Missouri Congressman Mark Alford has full-throatedly endorsed Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe for governor in the Aug. 6 Republican primary.

“Missouri needs a conservative governor who can work with President Trump to secure our border, secure our economy, and secure our neighborhoods and streets,” Alford said.

“Missouri needs an authentic governor with true business experience who knows what it’s like to sign the front of a paycheck and not just the back of one – who can attract world trading partners while deterring foreign adversaries who want to destroy us from within.

“Missouri needs a trustworthy governor who knows how to saddle a horse, knows the difference between a bull and a steer, and knows firsthand the importance of agriculture in the Show Me State.

“Missouri needs a compassionate governor who is a proven leader, a good listener, a faithful friend, a fierce fighter, but a true gentleman who would rather build things up than burn them down.

“Missouri needs a respected governor who’s a visionary, a business builder, a job creator, someone who’s willing to take on new challenges, who has the courage and conviction to get things done.

“Missouri needs Mike Kehoe. Quite simply: I like Mike. And that’s why I’m giving him my complete and full endorsement for governor.

“As the U.S. Congressman from the 4th District of Missouri, I look forward to working with Governor Mike Kehoe and President Donald J. Trump to Make Missouri and America great once again.”

Kehoe was appointed lieutenant governor in 2018 by Gov. Mike Parson, then was elected to a full term in 2020. He was raised in North St. Louis City by a single mother of six, before going on to become one of the youngest Ford dealers in the country.

Alford has joined a growing list of prominent people and organizations endorsing Kehoe, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

“Mike Kehoe is the only candidate for governor endorsed by the Missouri Chamber PAC, farmers & law enforcement,” the Chamber posted on X.

Alford expounded on his endorsement of Kehoe in an interview with KCMO radio host Ray Stevens in Kansas City.

Stevens asked Alford if endorsing Kehoe was a tough choice.

“No, it wasn’t.

“I’m going with Mike Kehoe. I like Mike. I think he’s going to be a great governor. He’s been a good lieutenant governor. He’s supported over almost $2.5 billion in tax cuts. 

“Dr. Art Laffer, who is Trump’s economist, is supporting him. He has plans to eliminate the state income tax. He’s tough on crime. He has the backing of every Missouri FOP, sheriff’s and police chiefs, troopers and firefighters. 

“And he’s a friend to AG. He’s a first-generation farmer, but he has the endorsement of every major agricultural organization, thousands of their members. I’m on the AG committee.  

“He and I are working together to help Fort Leonard Wood. I just had a big Zoom call with the folks out there at Fort Leonard Wood. We are getting two new companies of trainees out there, trying to boost the recruitment and retention. …

“I don’t have anything against any other candidate, but I do believe Mike Kehoe will be able to govern best the people of Missouri.”