Hailey
In a major political development, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed Catherine Hanaway as the state’s new Attorney General. Hanaway, a former Missouri House Speaker and federal prosecutor, is stepping into the role after Andrew Bailey resigned to join the FBI as co-deputy director.
This change is historic because Hanaway is the first woman ever to hold the Attorney General’s office in Missouri.
Her appointment has gained attention not only for breaking barriers but also for her past legal ties with the Grain Belt Express, a project that has faced strong political and legal battles in the state.
Background: Andrew Bailey’s Resignation
Andrew Bailey, who became Attorney General in 2023, announced his resignation after serving just over two years. At the age of 44, Bailey left the post to take a high-ranking role as co-deputy director of the FBI.
His decision created an important vacancy in Missouri’s government, and Governor Kehoe moved quickly to appoint Hanaway as his replacement.
Who is Catherine Hanaway?
Catherine Hanaway, aged 61, is a veteran in Missouri politics and law. She has had a diverse career:
- First and only female Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.
- Former U.S. attorney, where she handled federal cases and built her reputation as a strong prosecutor.
- Twice ran for statewide office, including Secretary of State in 2004 and the Governor’s race in 2016, but lost both times.
- Partner at Husch Blackwell, a well-known law firm.
Hanaway has now returned to public life at the highest legal post in the state.
Historic Appointment
Hanaway’s appointment is historic because she is the first woman ever to serve as Missouri Attorney General.
Since 2018, four different people have held the position, with each of the previous three leaving early for jobs in Washington, D.C. This shows how influential and politically important the Attorney General’s office has become in Missouri.
Plans for the Future
Hanaway has already confirmed that she will:
- Serve the remaining three years of Bailey’s term, until 2028.
- Seek re-election for a full term when the position is contested again.
- Focus on fighting crime, protecting constitutional rights, and stopping financial fraud in the state.
She has promised to show that she cares about Missourians, saying: “I will be innovative, I will adapt to changing times, and I will work as hard as I can to protect people.”
Legal Controversy: Grain Belt Express Connection
One of the most talked-about issues in Hanaway’s appointment is her role as lead counsel for the Grain Belt Express, a large clean-energy transmission line project.
Why is Grain Belt Express controversial?
- It aims to transport wind-generated electricity from Kansas across four states, including Missouri.
- It has been in development for over a decade.
- Critics argue that the project uses eminent domain to take land from farmers and landowners who do not want to sell.
- Agriculture groups like the Missouri Farm Bureau and many Republican leaders strongly oppose it.
Former Attorney General Andrew Bailey also targeted the project with investigations, and Grain Belt Express even filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General’s office in July 2025.
Since Hanaway was the company’s lawyer, she announced she will recuse herself from any investigations into the project as Attorney General.
Catherine Hanaway’s Rural Roots
Hanaway highlighted her small-town Nebraska roots, noting that her college dormitory at the University of Missouri was larger than her hometown. She shared that these roots keep her grounded and remind her to care deeply about everyday Missourians.
She also repeated a lesson from former Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator Kit Bond, who told her: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Catherine Hanaway’s Appointment
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Position | Missouri Attorney General |
| Appointed By | Governor Mike Kehoe |
| Replaces | Andrew Bailey (resigned) |
| Age | 61 years |
| Historic Note | First woman to hold the position |
| Term Duration | Until end of 2028 |
| Plans | Seek full term after 2028 |
| Previous Roles | House Speaker, U.S. Attorney, Law Partner |
| Controversy | Lead counsel for Grain Belt Express |
| Focus Areas | Crime fighting, protecting rights, stopping fraud |
The appointment of Catherine Hanaway as Missouri’s Attorney General represents both a historic milestone and a politically charged moment for the state. As the first woman to hold the position, she has promised to fight crime, defend constitutional rights, and protect citizens from fraud.
However, her past legal ties to the controversial Grain Belt Express project are likely to remain a talking point in state politics. With the 2028 elections in sight, Hanaway’s leadership over the next three years will shape not only her political future but also the direction of Missouri’s justice system.