By John Celock
Pledging to be an outsider, Republican Eric Greitens was sworn-in as the 56th governor of Missouri Monday afternoon.
Greitens, a retired Navy SEAL who upended several established Missouri politicians in last year’s campaign to win the governorship, pledged to keep up the same outsider spirit now that he has taken over the top spot in Jefferson City. Greitens succeeds two-term Gov. Jay Nixon (D), who was term limited out of the governorship.
“I come as an outsider to do the people’s work,” Greitens said in his inaugural address.
Greitens’ inaugural theme follows a campaign in which he stressed outsider credentials. In the general election, he defeated Democrat Chris Koster, a two-term state attorney general, who had long been thought the favorite to succeed Nixon. In succeeding Nixon, Greitens replaces the ultimate Jefferson City insider with Nixon serving 16 years as state attorney general prior to winning the governorship in 2008.
Greitens has pledged to tackle ethics reform, education reform and right to work legislation in the state. Nixon has regularly vetoed right to work bills that have been sent to him by the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has been unable to overturn the outgoing governor’s vetoes.
Greitens is the first Republican governor to preside over Missouri with GOP supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature.
Greitens took office as part of a Republican-sweep of state politics last year. Lt. Gov. Mike Parsons (R), Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R), Attorney General Josh Hawley (R) and Treasurer Eric Schmitt (R) were sworn-in alongside the new governor. All but Parsons replace Democrats in those jobs. State Auditor Nicole Galloway, who is not on the ballot until 2018, is now the only Democrat to serve as a state constitutional officer.
In his address, Greitens outlined a conservative led state government, including seeking to move people off of welfare and into work and promoting parental choice in education. He also stressed support for law enforcement in the state. Prior to the inaugural ceremony, Greitens dispensed with the traditional parade to host an event honoring law enforcement and teachers.
Greitens pledged to deliver on his campaign promises.
“I know the people do not expect miracles, but they expect results and we will deliver,” he said.