Missouri legislators, statewide officials and others weighed in Tuesday afternoon following Gov. Eric Greitens' announcement that he would resign as governor.
Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Parson
"With Governor Greitens' decision to resign from office, he has put the best interests of our state and all Missourians at the forefront where they belong. This is a decision that will allow our state to heal and move forward from what has been a difficult time. This is an enormous responsibility serving as our state's next governor, and I am ready to fulfill the duties of the office with honor and integrity, and with a steadfast commitment to making our great state even greater for the people we are entrusted to serve."
Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson, Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, and Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo
"We believe the Governor has put the best interest of Missourians first today by choosing to resign. The past few months have been difficult for everyone involved, including the Governor and his family. This is a serious and solemn occasion that reminds us that our state and our duty are bigger than any one person or party.
The House stands ready to help ensure a smooth transition of power to Governor Parson. The hallmark of democracy is that our public service is temporary. Missouri has been blessed with an unbroken line of men and women in public service who have worked to make our state better, and the work of the many dedicated public servants, who work tirelessly for the people of Missouri, will continue.
The responsibility the House undertook with its investigation is not a path any of us would have chosen, but it is one we were obligated to pursue in an effort to do what is best for our state. We want to thank the members of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight for the serious and professional manner in which they went about their task. We also want to thank the staff for the countless hours and sacrifices they made.
As public servants, our solemn duty is to put the best interests of the people of this great state first in every decision we make. The Governor's decision today honors that duty and allows Missouri to move forward toward a better tomorrow."
Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin
"The last five months have been trying times for our state. Relationships were strained, and bonds were tested. When the governor took office in January of 2017, I had very high hopes. I believed we were on the path to building a better Missouri. This is not the position I imagined we would be in nearly 16 months later. However, I do believe the governor made the right decision.
"The governor's office is bigger than one person. Missouri is strong. Just this session, the Legislature set the framework for greater economic growth. I have full confidence that Lt. Governor Mike Parson and other leaders across the state will continue building a better Missouri, while leading with conservative values. I can assure you, no matter what happens next, Missouri is in good hands."
Missouri Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City
"The governor's announcement marks the conclusion to a drama that has drawn on for far too long. It is regrettable the state of Missouri is in this position, but far more regrettable would have been for this spectacle to continue to drag on.
"For all practical purposes, Missouri has been without a governor for the last five months, with the President Pro Tem and the Speaker of the House leading the state in the governor's absence. Our founding fathers designed a system of government to ensure Missouri is more than one individual, and this will be proven true again in the coming weeks and months."
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley
"Governor Greitens has done the right thing today. I wish incoming Governor Mike Parson well, and stand ready to assist him in his transition. This Office's work for the people of Missouri goes forward."
State Auditor Nicole Galloway
"Corruption in state government became worse than ever under Eric Greitens. That corruption must be cleaned up, and our state's reputation must be restored. This can only happen if leaders put the needs of Missourians ahead of themselves."
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri
"The governor made the best decision for his family and the state. I look forward to Gov. Parson's leadership and will do everything I can to be helpful."
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth
"I have been disturbed by the allegations surrounding Governor Greitens over the past few months. This has been a distraction for our entire state and undermined his ability to lead. I am hopeful we can quickly put this behind us and Missouri can move forward under new leadership."
Missouri Rep. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia
"Today the great state of Missouri moves forward and recommits to the business of governing. I look forward to working with Governor Parson to continue to advance an agenda that grows our economy, strengthens our workforce, and provides opportunity to each and every Missouri family."
Missouri Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit
"In the midst of one of Missouri's most unfortunate and unprecedented political situations in its history there is little joy in the governor's resignation. But, Missouri is bigger than politics. We are a state full of great people and it's why I'm proud to call it home.
"The governor did the right thing by resigning and my deep hope is that he and his family can move on. In time I know our state will do the same.
"We can take solace in knowing that a good man will fill the position of Governor. I've known Mike Parson for as long as I've lived in Missouri. He is a good man, a great leader, and someone who can be trusted with authority over our state. I pray he will lead with conviction, strength, balance, and the fervor needed to direct our state government.
"The legislature is committed to continuing our work providing policy solutions to today's problems. It's with a sense of optimism for our state that I believe we will move forward and be better thane ver as a result of the resolution of this situation."
Missouri Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland
"The last few months have been very difficult for our state and its citizens. Today is a very somber day. As Governor Greitens has announced his resignation, I call on all Missourians to pray for and get behind Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson, who will assume the office of Governor on Friday. We must and will move forward, for the principles and purpose for which we serve the people of Missouri is a bright torch that cannot be extinguished."
Missouri Rep. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis
"Today is a sad day in Missouri history. The Governor did the right thing, for our state and for his family. I look forward to working with Mike Parson who has demonstrated the character and statesmanship needed at this challenging time."
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Todd Graves
"Throughout his tenure as a Sheriff, State Representative, and State Senator, Mike has always worked hard for Missourians, and I am certain he will continue to hold a strong commitment to our state as Governor. There is no doubt our Party has faced a difficult couple of months - but make no mistake - Missouri Republicans know there is much at stake this November and we will be united in our efforts to champion common sense conservative values across the board.
"The Missouri Republican Party looks forward to working with Mike Parson to defend our veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate. In addition, a united Republican Party will now focus on our number one goal: retiring Claire McCaskill from the United States Senate."
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber
"While corruption ended Eric Greitens' career as a politician, his schemes to slash workers' pay and rip healthcare away from vulnerable seniors continue to hurt Missourians. Republicans in Jefferson City were wrong to follow Greitens' lead and actively assist his attacks on the middle class. Missouri Democrats will continue to work to undo the damage done by Eric Greitens and his Republican cronies."
Former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt
"Serving as Missouri's governor is a great honor and I know Mike Parson will be worthy of this new responsibility. With Mike Parson as governor, Missourians will have a public servant dedicated to working with the legislature to move our state forward. I have known Mike for many years and worked with him in the legislature when I was governor. As a former sheriff, he is a law and order leader who will bring that experience to the governor's office. Mike has always been someone interested in results, no matter who gets the credit and I know he will work well with House and Senate leadership and legislators in both parties to get things done for Missourians."