Leaders : Missouri GOP

Missouri Republican Party Leadership

Missouri Republican Party Leadership
Chairman Peter Kinder

Peter Dickson Kinder was born on May 12, 1954, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he was raised as an eighth-generation native of Southeast Missouri. Kinder attended Cape Girardeau public schools before pursuing higher education at Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He later earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, in 1979 and was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1980. Early in his career, Kinder worked as a staff attorney and real estate representative for Drury Industries, a family business known for its regional hotel chain. In 1987, he transitioned into publishing, becoming Associate Publisher of the Southeast Missourian newspaper, where he also wrote a regular conservative column. Kinder entered politics in 1980 by managing Bill Emerson’s successful congressional campaign, marking the first Republican win in Southeast Missouri for U.S. Congress since 1928. He launched his own political career in 1992, winning election to the Missouri Senate, where he served three terms. In 2001, following a series of special elections that gave Republicans a majority in the Missouri Senate for the first time in over 50 years, Kinder was elected President Pro Tempore, becoming the first Republican in 53 years to hold the chamber’s top leadership post. In 2004, Kinder won election as Missouri’s 46th Lieutenant Governor, narrowly defeating Democrat Bekki Cook. He went on to serve three terms, from January 10, 2005, to January 9, 2017, making him the longest-serving lieutenant governor in Missouri history—a tenure of 12 years that surpassed the previous record held by Frank Gaines Harris by about 10 days. As lieutenant governor, Kinder expanded the role’s visibility, serving as president of the Missouri Senate, acting as governor for 108 days during absences of the elected governor, and taking on responsibilities such as signing bills into law and mobilizing the National Guard. He also championed tourism as a member of the Missouri Tourism Commission, notably establishing and chairing the Tour of Missouri, an international bicycle race that ran from 2007 to 2009. Kinder’s political career was marked by notable achievements and challenges. He was re-elected in 2008, becoming the only Republican to win statewide office that year despite a strong Democratic wave, carrying 109 of Missouri’s 114 counties. In 2012, he won a historic third term, the first lieutenant governor to do so since 1940, even as he served alongside Democratic Governor Jay Nixon from 2009 to 2017. Kinder also led efforts against federal healthcare policies, spearheading a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which aligned with Missouri voters’ overwhelming passage of Proposition C in 2010 to reject the mandate. In July 2015, Kinder announced his candidacy for governor in the Ferguson/Dellwood area, aiming to succeed the term-limited Jay Nixon in 2016. Early polls showed him competitive against Democratic candidate Chris Koster, but he faced a crowded Republican primary. Raising an impressive $1.5 million, who won the governorship. After leaving office in 2017, Kinder briefly served as co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority, appointed by President Donald Trump in August 2017. He cut over $500,000 in administrative costs before resigning in June 2018 when a new co-chair was confirmed. Returning to the private sector, Kinder joined SoutheastHEALTH as vice president of governmental affairs and later worked in government relations for Mercy. In February 2025, he was elected chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, defeating former state Senator Bill Eigel, with a mission to unify the party amid its dominance of statewide offices and the General Assembly. Throughout his career, Kinder remained a steadfast conservative known for his grassroots politicking and tireless campaigning. Active in many civic organizations, including the Lions Club, he is an active member of Centenary Methodist Church, where he sings in the church choir.
Vice Chair Jennifer Bukowsky

Jennifer Bukowsky was elected Vice Chair of the Missouri Republican Party in 2025. Jennifer is an award-winning attorney and longtime Republican activist. She is also a conservative talk radio host on 93.9 The Eagle. Jennifer was a founding member of the Jefferson City Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society and was president of that chapter from 2021-2024. She has been active with the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) since 2012 and joined its Board of Governors in 2024. Through RNLA, Jennifer has worked as an election integrity lawyer in Missouri, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona. Jennifer serves on Senator Josh Hawley's Advisory Committee on Judicial Nominations. She previously served as President of the Boone County Bar Association. Jennifer lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband Brant and their two sons Blake and Gus.
Secretary Derrick Good

Derrick R. Good is a highly respected attorney in Hillsboro, Missouri. He is known for his unwavering commitment to his clients, sharp legal mind, and deep-rooted community involvement. With over 20 years of legal experience, Derrick has earned recognition as one of Missouri’s top attorneys. Born and raised in Jefferson County, Derrick is dedicated to strengthening his community. He lives in Cedar Hill, Missouri, with his wife, Wendi, and daughters, Aliana and Parker. A proud graduate of Missouri Southern State University and Saint Louis University School of Law, Derrick combines his strong academic background with practical, real-world expertise. He earned both a Juris Doctorate and a Masters in Business Administration, which equipped him to navigate complex legal and business matters. Derrick focuses on personal injury law, estate planning, probate, business litigation, and general litigation, offering clients knowledgeable and compassionate representation. His legal expertise also extends to wrongful death suits and motor vehicle accidents, ensuring families receive the justice and support they deserve during difficult times. A staunch advocate for conservative values, Derrick has played a pivotal role in various community and political organizations. He serves as President of the Jefferson County Port Authority and holds positions on the boards of Sunnyhill, Inc., Amy’s Wish, and the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Derrick also proudly serves as Secretary of the Missouri State Republican Party and has held leadership positions in the Jefferson County Republican Party and Republican National Lawyers Association. Derrick’s dedication to public service has earned him recognition, including the Volunteer Service Award for Missouri Trial Lawyers Care in 2019 and being named Catholic Legal Assistance Ministries’ Volunteer of the Year in 2006. His consistent inclusion on Super Lawyers’ Top Attorneys lists underscores his expertise and reputation within the legal community. Grounded in conservative principles, Derrick is committed to advocating for his clients and his community with integrity and intelligence. His leadership, dedication to justice, and community-focused approach make him a trusted legal advisor and a respected figure in Missouri’s legal and political circles.
Treasurer Jennifer Finch

Jennifer Finch is a highly respected and compassionate estate planning attorney with over 36 years of experience helping individuals and families secure their financial futures. Known for her warmth, integrity, and personal approach, she takes the time to listen to her clients, truly ensuring their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected. A proud native of Kansas City, Missouri, Jennifer earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she was recognized for outstanding service to the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas and is an active member of the Kansas and Missouri Bar Associations and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. Jennifer believes estate planning is not just about legal documents—it’s about giving families confidence, stability, and peace of mind for generations to come. She has been a featured speaker for numerous community organizations, including the Volunteer Attorney Project with Legal Aid of Western Missouri. She remains committed to serving others through pro bono legal work and civic involvement. Well-liked and deeply respected in her professional and personal life, Jennifer is known for her kindness, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Outside of her practice, she is active in her church and community and always ready to help. She treasures time with family and believes in fostering strong relationships built on trust, generosity, and personal responsibility.

Missouri Statewide Executive Officeholders


Governor Mike Kehoe	Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger	Secretary of State Denny Hoskins


State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick	State Treasurer Vivek Malek	Attorney General Andrew Bailey