JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — While no official announcement has been made, the lone Democrat holding a statewide office has amended her campaign committee statement for a gubernatorial bid.
Nicole Galloway, who has served as the state auditor since 2015, plans to challenge Republican Gov. Mike Parson — who is expected to announce his bid in September — in the 2020 election. On Thursday, she filed an amended statement of committee organization with the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) indicating her intentions.
Last week, Parson hired Steele Shippy as his election campaign manager. Shippy had been serving as the communication director in the governor’s office. Parson ascended to the role of governor in June 2018 following the resignation of Eric Greitens.
As of the July quarterly filings, Galloway had brought in $117,259. Parson, on the other hand, raked in nearly $120,000. Both also spent similar amounts this cycle: Galloway spent a little more than $45,000 whereas Parson spent about $42,000.
Still, Galloway significantly trails Parson when it comes to cash on hand; Galloway reported nearly $133,000 to Parson’s $1.15 million.
Meanwhile, Parson’s Uniting Missouri PAC reported more than $2.8 million cash on hand with nearly $649,000 coming in this quarter. Galloway’s Keep Government Accountable PAC reported $20,937.75 with $9,000.00 coming in this quarter — though the committee has received several large donations since the last filings.
Galloway, 37, was originally appointed as state auditor by then-Gov. Jay Nixon following the death of Tom Schweich. She was elected to the same position in November 2018. Prior to her tenure as auditor, Galloway served as the Boone County treasurer since 2011 when she was appointed to fill a vacant post; she won re-election in 2012.
She is seen as a less controversial figure in Missouri Democratic politics. Galloway has largely avoided — until recent months — partisan bickering or attacks.
At the beginning of July, Sen. Scott Sifton decided to forgo a gubernatorial bid and endorsed Galloway for the office instead.
“I am grateful to all who have given their encouragement and pledged their support,” Sifton previously said. “Nicole Galloway is the right person to lead the Democratic ticket in Missouri in 2020. I look forward to campaigning relentlessly to help get her elected.”
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Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.