KC Reporter

Catherine L. Hanaway has been appointed as Missouri’s next Attorney General, Governor Mike Kehoe announced during a press conference at the State Capitol. Hanaway will take over the role on September 8, 2025, following the departure of current Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is set to become Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Governor Kehoe praised Hanaway’s qualifications for the position. “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,” said Governor Kehoe. “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.”

Hanaway will be both the first woman to serve as Missouri’s Attorney General and the first major statewide office appointee under Governor Kehoe’s administration.

Governor Kehoe also commented on Bailey’s new federal appointment: “Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s appointment as the Co-Deputy Director of the FBI is another testament to President Trump’s commitment to enforcing law and order, as Andrew has been a fighter for our state and nation throughout his entire career,” said Governor Kehoe. “Although Missourians will miss Andrew’s strong leadership in the Attorney General’s Office, we know that he will serve Americans well at the FBI. Congratulations to Andrew and his family on this appointment.”

Hanaway currently works as a partner at Husch Blackwell in St. Louis and previously led the firm as its first female Chair. She served as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives—the only woman to have held that position—and was formerly U.S. Attorney for Missouri's Eastern District where she supervised thousands of cases and developed new approaches in criminal prosecution.

In her remarks accepting the appointment, Hanaway said: “I want to thank Governor Kehoe for this opportunity. It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly,” Hanaway 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.”

Hanaway holds degrees from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and Creighton University. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and participates in organizations such as the Regional Business Council and St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board.

Photos from today’s announcement are expected to be posted on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.