Tenure
In April 2025, Kehoe withdrew his nomination of Tom Prater to the Missouri Board of Education after pressure from right-wing groups and Senator Mike Moon, who raised concerns about Prater's support for public schools and teacher unions and his involvement in a bipartisan civic group in Springfield, Missouri. Prater had already served on the board in an interim role, appointed by Mike Parson, and Kehoe's spokesperson told press that he was confident in Prater's qualifications for the role.
In July 2025, Kehoe signed a law repealing a 2025 voter-approved ballot measure that would have increased the state's minimum wage and guaranteed paid sick leave for employees. In the August-September 2025 special session, Kehoe told legislators to pass a proposal to add barriers to initiative petitions for constitutional amendments. Kehoe slated 2026 Missouri Amendment 4 for the August 2026 ballot.
In 2025, Kehoe prioritized increased funding for the MOScholars program, a tax-credit program that facilitates scholarships for private and parochial schools. The program, established in 2021, raised less than $25 million in donations the previous year. Kehoe presented a budget proposal that allocated $50 million for the program while underfunding the state education department. The state senate initially overruled the proposal, and the final draft included funding for both. Democratic representatives questioned both the legality and sustainability of general revenue funds for private school scholarships, and say this is a move toward privatizing education.
In July 2025, Kehoe signed a law allowing landlords to discriminate against tenants using housing vouchers, Social Security Disability Insurance, child support, and tips to pay rent. The law overturned Kansas City's source of income discrimination ban.
In August 2025, Kehoe called for a special session prioritizing redistricting in Missouri, in line with President Trump's demands for more Republican seats in the 2026 House of Representatives elections.
Kehoe has advocated for measures to remove capital gains tax and income tax from Missouri revenue. He slated 2026 Missouri Amendment 5, which eliminates income tax and expands sales tax, on the August 2026 ballot.
