Hanaway Appointed Missouri’s Next Attorney General

Catherine L. Hanaway. Photo: governor.mo.gov

Governor Mike Kehoe announced at the Missouri State Capitol on Tuesday, August 19, the appointment of Catherine L. Hanaway as the next Attorney General for the State of Missouri. Hanaway will fill the vacancy left by Andrew Bailey, who is set to become the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hanaway’s appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes both the first woman to serve as Missouri’s Attorney General and the first major statewide office appointee under the Kehoe Administration. She will officially assume the office on September 8, 2025, the same day Bailey is sworn in at the FBI.

Governor Kehoe praised Hanaway’s extensive experience and legal acumen, saying, “The role of Attorney General is incredibly significant for state government, serving as the chief legal officer of the state, and there is not a more qualified person to serve Missourians as our next Attorney General than Catherine Hanaway. A former U.S. Attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law. Congratulations to Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s 45th Attorney General.” Kehoe also lauded Bailey’s leadership and new federal appointment, adding that Bailey’s career has been marked by strong service to both the state and nation and is a reflection of a commitment to law and order.

Catherine Hanaway brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She is currently a Partner at Husch Blackwell in St. Louis, where she has handled complex legal matters in state and federal court and previously led the firm as its first woman Chair. Hanaway also served as the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, being the only woman to have held that title. Her background includes significant federal experience as the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Missouri, where as U.S. Attorney she oversaw more than 4,000 criminal, affirmative, and defensive civil cases, personally trying cases to jury verdicts, and helping to develop new strategies in criminal prosecution.

In remarks following her appointment, Hanaway expressed gratitude for the opportunity and trust placed in her by Governor Kehoe. “It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly,” she said. “Attorney General Bailey has done an incredible job fighting for Missourians, and I am eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.