The four candidates for governor met Friday for the first, and perhaps only, debate of the campaign. Appearing are, from left, state Rep. Crystal Quade, the Democratic nominee; Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate; Bill Slantz of the Libertarian Party; and Paul Lehmann of the Green Party (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).
SPRINGFIELD — Twenty years of Republican control of the legislature has failed Missouri, giving it the most extreme abortion restrictions in the country and a child care system in crisis, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Crystal Quade said in a debate Friday.
Quade said she backs Amendment 3, which would restore abortion rights , and Proposition A, to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2026, as measures that will help Missouri women control their reproductive decisions and earn enough to support their families.
“Right now we have women bleeding out on their bathroom floors because our doctors can not do their jobs,” Quade said
Quade is running an uphill race against Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, who polls show has a double-digit lead. Kehoe said he opposes Amendment 3 and Proposition A.