An official announcement is coming Monday from Senator Bob Dixon on his plans to run for Governor. The Republican from Springfield will make the announcement from the front porch of his home and then make visits to the State Capitol and Columbia later on that day.

Senator Bob Dixon (courtesy; Missouri Senate Communications)

Senator Bob Dixon (courtesy; Missouri Senate Communications)

There’s been no official announcement yet, but Republican Eric Greitens appears to be preparing a run for Governor. He spent last week on a statewide tour. Greitens has not held a public office but touts his work in the private sector, and is a former Navy Seal.

“One of the things that great leaders do who can come in from the outside is that we’re not tied down by all the things that have held back the status quo,” said Greitens. “There’s a tremendous amount of work that you can do in the private sector. I also think that we have to have strong leaders in government. Missouri needs a Governor. We all saw the failure of leadership at Ferguson, but it’s not just Ferguson.”

Eric Greitens (R)

Eric Greitens (R)

Republican candidates already announced include former U-S Attorney Catherine Hanaway, State Senator Mike Parson, St. Louis businessman John Brunner, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, and former state representative Randy Asbury. The only announced Democrat is Attorney General Chris Koster.

Campaign fundraising is in full swing for these candidates. Koster has the most money in the bank with $4.5 million, followed by Hanaway’s $1.5 million and Greitens $1.1 million. Parson has $700,000 in the bank, followed by Brunner with $277,000 and Kinder with $58,000.