Missouri Governor Considers Changes to Judicial Selection Process
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is considering potential changes to the Missouri Plan, the state's established process for selecting judges, including those for the Missouri Supreme Court.
St. Louis, MO, October 12, 2026 —
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is reportedly reviewing the state’s existing judicial selection system, known as the Missouri Plan. This established process is used for appointing judges, including those who serve on the Missouri Supreme Court.
The Missouri Plan is a merit-based system where a judicial nominating commission screens applicants and submits a list of qualified candidates to the governor. The governor then makes the appointment from that list. This system has been in place for decades, aiming to balance judicial independence with accountability.
Details regarding the specific potential changes being considered by Governor Kehoe have not been publicly disclosed. The scope and nature of any proposed modifications to the Missouri Plan remain unclear at this time. The governor’s office has not released further information on the timeline or the specific aspects of the selection process under review.
The Missouri Plan has historically been a subject of debate among legal and political circles in the state, with varying perspectives on its effectiveness and fairness. Any significant alterations could have implications for the composition of the judiciary and the method by which judges are appointed across Missouri.
Story summarized from the original created by Mark Zinn on fox2now.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
