Republican Eric Greitens and his family are planning to move into the Governor’s Mansion after he takes over as Missouri’s 56th chief executive in January.
In a conference call with reporters last Friday, Greitens’ senior adviser Austin Chambers said the governor-elect, his wife, Sheena, and their two young children will leave their home in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood and reside in the 145-year-old, three-story structure near the state Capitol.
“As of right now, they are planning to moving to Jefferson City and living in the Governor’s Mansion,” said Chambers, who served as Greitens campaign manager in his successful race against Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster.
Along with the close proximity to work for Greitens, the soon-to-be first lady will be closer to her job as a University of Missouri political science professor.
Chambers said she will continue to teach in Columbia while her husband serves as governor.
“That’s what she loves,” Chambers said.
On Thursday, two days after the election, the couple dined at the mansion with outgoing Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon as part of the transition process underway in state government.
Nixon could not run for a third term because of term limits.
Chambers said planning for the transition began at 9 a.m. Wednesday, less than 10 hours after the former Navy SEAL and political newcomer was declared the winner of the race by a 51-45 margin.
The team is reviewing budget estimates provided by Nixon’s administration in anticipation of crafting a spending blueprint for the fiscal year that begins next July.
In the coming days, the campaign is expected to announce who will lead the transition efforts and who will lead planning for the Jan. 9 inauguration festivities.
In addition, Greitens is opening a transition office in Jefferson City where he plans to work during the week.
Chambers said workers also are developing websites to announce inaugural activities and to allow job seekers to send in their resumes. “I think we’re off to a successful start. There’s certainly a lot of work to do,” Chambers said.