Nicole Galloway is probably the smartest option
But Dems would lose her state auditor seat and I think MO is just too Republican and polarized to elect a statewide Democrat, Claire McCaskill who has been in Missouri politics forever, was ousted by someone who spent less than 2 years in their job and drew concerns that he did not campaign well and was sleepwalking.
Galloway would appoint the vacancy in the auditors office to fill the remainder of her term. However, Galloway is highly unlikely to run for governor. We have that office solely because Tom Schweich died by suicide and the Republicans nominated the worst possible opponent imaginable again Galloway in 2018.
Saundra McDowell has been sued 7 times, did not meet the residency requirement, called Galloway a DOG in their debate, and is having her wages garnished.. yet she still got 44% of the statewide vote!
I am still 50/50 if Galloway's win was impressive or not. One one hand her opponent was an interesting character. But on the other hand the auditors contest was way over shadowed by the US Senate and it was widely assumed whoever won the Senate contest would also win the Auditors contest.
It seems like the MO GOP is settled on white bread and steady Gov. Mike Parson for reelection.
However, former Gov. Eric Greitens may challenge Parson to get his job back after resigning due to scandal.
For the Democrats, I think Russ or Robin Carnahan would be good choices to take back the State House, since Claire McCaskill looks like her political career is over as she is a pundit now.
No Robin and Russ Carnahan are NOT going back into politics lmao.. and Greitens is not going anywhere near a gop primary.