Statement from the 55th Missouri Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon

I have truly enjoyed the positive changes in my life and fitness since completing 30 consecutive years of public service.

I am not running for U.S. Senate.  I choose a different path.

I will keep practicing law in an impactful way, teaching at Washington University Law School, and expanding my service — especially protecting and conserving our parks, wild lands and waterways.

While I deeply appreciate the many people who have reached out and acknowledging folks’ angst about the track of our country’s divisive politics, I believe I will be more effective outside of this partisan back and forth.

I always thrived on policy more than politics.  My post-Governor involvement on a myriad of matters is not filtered through a partisan lens – that is liberating and I want it to continue.  My lifelong work to conserve our land, water, and to improve the quality of life for people in our cities, small towns, rural communities, and future generations will be a growing focus.

The people of Missouri honored me with their trust and confidence many times and for that opportunity to serve, I am eternally grateful.

I am very proud of the work we accomplished.  Our team worked diligently to provide opportunities and changed lives in many positive ways, with a granite foundation of strong Missouri values.

I will continue to serve through my legal work here at Dowd Bennett, my teaching, my writing, my outdoor passion, and a positive attitude about our joined future.