Jay Nixon

Nixon was born and raised in De Soto, Missouri. His mother, Betty Lea Nixon (née Wilson), was a teacher and president of the local school board, and his father, Jeremiah "Jerry" Nixon, served as the city's mayor. One of his three paternal great-grandfathers, Abraham Jonas, was an early Jewish settler in Illinois and friend of former President Abraham Lincoln (one of Nixon's paternal great-grandmothers was Jewish, though Nixon is Methodist).{{cite web |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/almanac/member/565 |title=Jay Nixon |work=Nationaljournal.com |date=February 13, 1956 |access-date=April 1, 2015}} His great-great-grandfather Charles Henry Jonas was the brother of Democratic U.S. Senator Benjamin F. Jonas of Louisiana and another, James Oscar Nixon, was a brother of U.S. Representative John Thompson Nixon of New Jersey. Another paternal ancestor, John Inskeep, served as Mayor of Philadelphia (from 1800 to 1801 and 1805 to 1806).

Nixon graduated with honors from the University of Missouri with a degree in political science.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-herald-senator-to-see-office/137661394/ Senator to seek office]. The Star-Herald. October 15, 1987. He worked at various construction jobs before receiving his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri School of Law.Lindecke, Fred W. (April 19, 1988). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-nixon-tests-orat/137662143/ Nixon Tests Oratory At Jackson Day Rally]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

File:JayNixon1987.jpg

In 1986, after a period of private practice in his hometown, Nixon ran for the Missouri Senate from a district in Jefferson County.{{cite web |url=http://governor.mo.gov/about/Jay-Nixon.php |title=Biography of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon |publisher=Governor.mo.gov |date=November 4, 2008 |access-date=September 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527084018/http://governor.mo.gov/about/Jay-Nixon.php |archive-date=May 27, 2010}} He won an upset victory in the Democratic primary against two longtime Jefferson County lawmakersReilly, Mike (April 24, 1987). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/columbia-daily-tribune-democrats-plannin/137702005/ Democrats planning statewide comeback]. Columbia Daily Tribune. and defeated his Republican opponent, Larry Callahan, in the general election with 64 percent of the vote. When the new Congress convened on January 7, 1987, Nixon was the only freshman member.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-democrat-from-fe/137657244/ Democrat From Festus Will Be Only Newcomer In State Senate]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 6, 1986. Nine days after his swearing in, Nixon introduced his first piece of legislation with a bill that would allow schools to purchase satellite dishes in order to provide better broadcasts.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-gazette-satellite-dishes-plan/137662616/ Satellite dishes plan]. St. Joseph Gazette. January 17, 1987. Later that year, he received an award as an outstanding legislator from the Judicial Conference of Missouri.

In April 1987, Nixon expressed interest in running for the United States Senate in the 1988 election. Some members of the Missouri Democratic Party considered him a worthy candidate, given his upset victory for the state senate, but some remained critical of his lack of political experience. Nixon made his decision official when he announced his candidacy on October 6.Lindecke, Fred W. (October 7, 1987). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-jay-nixon-files/137514584/ Jay Nixon Files To Run Against Danforth In '88]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM); Nixon welcomed the endorsement, but opponents criticized him for accepting an endorsement from a group "that has been roundly condemned by Missouri newspapers for using scare tactics and misleading information".Ball, Karen (June 25, 1988). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/columbia-daily-tribune-nixon-backing-pro/137515004/ Nixon backing prompts assault]. Columbia Daily Tribune. Nixon lost the general election to Republican incumbent John Danforth by a wide margin. During the campaign, Danforth outspent Nixon 5–1 through Political Action Committees (PACs).[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-wretched-campaig/137703326/ Wretched Campaign Excesses]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 11, 1988.

In 1989, Nixon sponsored a bill that would mandate businesses with at least 25 employees to give pregnant workers maternity leave, but the Senate voted 17–16 against the bill.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-leave-bill-backe/137658146/ Leave Bill Backed For Maternity]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 8, 1989.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-capital-briefs/137658374/ CAPITAL BRIEFS]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 16, 1989. Nixon re-introduced the legislation in 1990, and although the Senate approved the bill,Young, Virginia (May 27, 1990). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-bill-gives-leave/137658589/ Bill Gives Leaves To Mothers]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Governor John Ashcroft vetoed it.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ashcroft-vetoes-mat/137658849/ Ashcroft vetoes maternity leave measure]. The Kansas City Star. July 14, 1990. Nixon was reelected in November 1990, defeating Richard Ford, a Republican from Cedar Hill.Mosley, Jim (November 7, 1990). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-shneider-drick/137703902/ Shneider, Drick, McCarthy, Nixon Re-elected]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Nixon announced in September 1991 that he would run for state Attorney General.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-nixon-in-attorne/137659586/ Nixon In Attorney General Race]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. September 24, 1991. During the Democratic primary campaign, fellow Democrat Mike Wolff, a law professor who was also seeking the nomination, accused Nixon of using his political influence to get a consumer fraud complaint in 1988 dropped by then-Attorney General William Webster. Nixon denied Wolff's accusation and said that Wolff sounded "like a desperate candidate".[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-attorney-general-c/137659851/ Attorney General candidates spar]. St. Joseph News-Press. July 22, 1992. Nixon won the Democratic nomination and general election against Republican David Steelman.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-missouri-democrats/137662386/ Missouri Democrats return]. The Kansas City Star. November 6, 1992.

File:Jay Nixon 1993 (cropped).jpg

As the state's Attorney General, Nixon created the Environmental Protection Division to enforce Missouri's environmental laws. Attorneys in this division take legal action to stop the pollution of the state's air, water and soil and to look after Missouri's agricultural interests. Successful litigation by the division has resulted in the cleanup of polluted sites and millions of dollars awarded to the state. His aggressive actions in the Attorney General's Office earned him national recognition. Barrister magazine{{cite web |last=Leonard |first=Scott |url=http://www.barristermagazine.com |title=Home |publisher=Barristermagazine.com |access-date=April 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423093323/http://www.barristermagazine.com/ |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }} named him one of the 20 outstanding young lawyers in the nation, and the Missouri Jaycees selected him one of Ten Outstanding Young Missourians. Prior to becoming Attorney General, he was recognized by the Conservation Federation of Missouri{{Cite web|url=https://www.confedmo.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070721113449/http://www.confedmo.org/|url-status=dead|title=Conservation Federation of Missouri|archivedate=July 21, 2007}} for his environmental work as a state senator.

In 1998, Nixon again unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate, losing in the general election to Kit Bond. During his tenure as Attorney General, Nixon oversaw the state's involvement in the court settlements that ended mandatory urban busing in St. Louis and Kansas City's public schools.{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Rudi |url=http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080928/NEWS01/709289923 |title=Local News: Jay Nixon: A life in public service (09/28/08) |publisher=Semissourian.com |date=September 28, 2008 |access-date=April 1, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930103312/http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080928/NEWS01/709289923 |archive-date=September 30, 2008}} Nixon opposed the states desegregation programs, arguing that it would be a drain on states resources.{{Cite book |last=Dunn |first=Joshua |title=Complex Justice: The Case of Missouri v. Jenkins |publisher=University of North Carolina Press |year=2012 |isbn=9781469606606 |pages=88 |language=en}} This angered African-American leaders in the state, who refused to endorse him.{{Cite web |last=Niedowski |first=Erika |date=1998-06-16 |title=Missouri Democrat's Senate Drive Is Clouded By Desegregation Case - June 16, 1998 |url=https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/06/16/cq/missouri.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000524090831/https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/06/16/cq/missouri.html |archive-date=2000-05-24 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=www.cnn.com}} Bond, a Republican, would go on to win a third of black voters, per exit polling.{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Greg |date=1998-11-05 |title=Bond's victory may signal a political shift for blacks |pages=10 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |url=https://newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-bonds-victory-m/137602383/ |access-date=2023-12-29}}

During the 2000 election season, Nixon filed a writ of prohibition to prevent Edward Joseph Manley III, a candidate for Jefferson County sheriff, from appearing on the Democratic primary ballot. He argued that Manley's 1980 conviction for assault with intent to kill disqualified him from running for the position as per state law.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/columbia-daily-tribune-nixon-wants-felon/138731310/ Nixon wants felon removed from ballot]. Columbia Daily Tribune. April 30, 2000. Circuit court judge M. E. Williams, who had overseen the charges against Manley, ruled in favor of Nixon and removed Manley from appearing on the ballot.Rowden, Tim (May 8, 2000). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-judge-orders-she/138732172/ Judge orders sheriff candidate Manley off the primary ballot]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Nixon argued to reinstate Missouri's campaign contribution limits to the United States Supreme Court in Nixon v. Shrink (2000), which was successful on his part.{{cite web|title=Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PAC - 528 U.S. 377 (2000)|url=https://www.oyez.org/cases/1990-1999/1999/1999_98_963|publisher=Oyez: Chicago-Kent College of Law|access-date=21 November 2013}}

In 2003, Nixon filed lawsuits against EchoStar and Xentel, two out-of-state businesses that allegedly made telemarketing calls to Missouri residents in violation of the state's "no call law".[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-suits-filed/137711772/ Suits filed under no-call law against two firms]. The Springfield News-Leader. August 28, 2003.Suhr, Jim (August 28, 2003). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-naples-daily-news-missouri-sues-flor/137712472/ Missouri sues Florida company, alleging violations of no-call law]. The Naples Daily News. Associated Press. The following year, a state judge ordered Xentel to pay $75,000 to the state of Missouri, which they did. However, the company continued to call consumers within the state. In 2008, Xentel agreed to settle the lawsuit and paid Missouri $80,000.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-firm-will-pay-8/137712896/ Firm will pay $80,000 on Missouri No-Call law]. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. February 5, 2008.

The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) issued a report titled "The Modern Militia Movement" on February 20, 2009, informing the Missouri State Highway Patrol of several groups of people who could possibly be linked to domestic militia groups. According to the report, these groups included white Christians, supporters of third-party presidential candidates Ron Paul, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin, as well as opponents of gun control, illegal immigration, abortion, the Federal Reserve System, and the Internal Revenue Service. Following a joint letter from Paul, Barr, and Baldwin condemning the report, Nixon and the MIAC issued an apology concerning the report and stated that it will no longer be displayed on any official state websites.{{cite web |url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1108508.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330215303/http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1108508.html|archive-date=March 30, 2009|title=Nixon blames 'overzealousness' for militia report|access-date=August 20, 2014}}

File:Jay Nixon canvassing doors.jpg

{{Main|2008 Missouri gubernatorial election}}

In November 2005, Nixon filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission to launch a gubernatorial campaign.{{cite news|last1=Lieb|first1=David A.|title=Nixon to run for governor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-american-republic-nixon-to-run-for/134961014/|access-date=November 10, 2023|publisher=Daily American Republic|date=November 11, 2005}} In a Research 2000 poll in January 2006, Nixon led over Republican Governor Matt Blunt by eight points.{{cite news|title=Campaign 2006 Missouri poll |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-campaign-2006-mi/134962354/|access-date=November 10, 2023|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=January 22, 2006}} Blunt announced on January 22, 2008, that he would not seek a second term. By the filing deadline on March 25, 2008, three Democratic and five Republican candidates had filed.[http://www.sos.mo.gov/candidates/DisplayCandidatesPlacement.asp?vOffice=1GOVNR&vElection=P108] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210144309/http://www.sos.mo.gov/candidates/DisplayCandidatesPlacement.asp?vOffice=1GOVNR&vElection=P108|date=February 10, 2012}}

Nixon won the Democratic nomination on August 5, the same day Kenny Hulshof won the Republican nomination.Young, Virginia (August 7, 2008), [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-hulshof-nixon-p/134963591/ Hulshof, Nixon promise change], St. Louis Post-Dispatch Pre-election polling showed Nixon regularly leading Hulshof, and he eventually opened up a 20-point lead two days before the election.[http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Missouri_1103967.pdf/ Public Policy Polling] On November 4, Nixon defeated Hulshof by a margin of 19 points. The election coincided with the 2008 presidential election, and despite Nixon's landslide win, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama lost Missouri to Republican John McCain.

Nixon was inaugurated as governor on January 12, 2009, sworn in by chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Laura Denvir Stith.Livengood, Chad (January 13, 2009). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-nixon-takes/137503362/ Nixon takes office]. The Springfield News-Leader.

Nixon took office amid the Great Recession, and to combat this he focused on creating jobs, investing in education, and strengthening the state's economy while keeping the budget in balance.{{cite news|last1=Denney|first1=Andrew|title=Nixon address focuses on education, jobs|url=http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2009/1/27/nixon-addresses-higher-education-jobs-state-state/|access-date=January 9, 2017|publisher=The Maneater|date=January 27, 2009|archive-date=January 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110090740/http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2009/1/27/nixon-addresses-higher-education-jobs-state-state/|url-status=dead}} In January 2009, Nixon proposed keeping the same funding level to public universities on behalf of the schools not increasing their tuition fees, which was generally met favorably.Tang, Didi (January 24, 2009). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-msu-applauds/137505983/ MSU applauds Nixon decision about funding]. The Springfield News-Leader. Nixon also negotiated four tuition freezes for students at public higher education institutions.{{cite news|last1=Keller|first1=Rudi|title=Nixon proposes 6 percent funding increase, tuition freeze for higher education |url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/politics/nixon-proposes-percent-funding-increase-tuition-freeze-for-higher-education/article_1db73aaa-bc84-51c5-a656-ee1f35a1bfe8.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Columbia Daily Tribune|date=September 22, 2015}}

In July 2009, Nixon traveled to Iraq after the Department of Defense invited him to meet with U.S. soldiers. For security reasons, he did not disclose which military base he was staying at, other than it was in Kuwait.Livengood, Chad (July 20, 2009). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-nixon-makes/137506982/ Nixon makes surprise Iraq trip]. The Springfield News-Leader. He traveled to Germany that same month before returning to Missouri on July 22.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-states-top/137507435/ State's top 3 leaders now out of state]. The Springfield News-Leader. July 22, 2009.

File:P022412PS-0134 (6857407114).jpg in 2012]]

Upon taking office, Nixon "began cutting spending almost immediately and has made repeated reductions to the budgets passed by the Legislature in subsequent years."{{cite news|title=Missouri Gov. Nixon's term marked by budget cuts, disasters|url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-gov-nixon-s-term-marked-by-budget-cuts-disasters/article_801232f1-30fb-5000-aa4e-bade968c2072.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Associated Press|date=January 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113014713/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-gov-nixon-s-term-marked-by-budget-cuts-disasters/article_801232f1-30fb-5000-aa4e-bade968c2072.html|archive-date=January 13, 2017|url-status=dead}} In 2010, Nixon was called the state's budget "cutter-in-chief" by the Associated Press for his efforts to reduce spending and right-size state government.{{cite news|title=Analysis: Once a critic, Nixon now cutter-in-chief |url=http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/analysis-once-a-critic-nixon-now-cutter-in-chief/article_3efa7099-c1dd-5b2a-b7dd-64554a57cf2c.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Associated Press|date=May 24, 2010}} Some of Nixon's budget restrictions drew criticism and in 2011 Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich filed suit arguing that Nixon lacked the constitutional authority to restrict spending.{{cite news|title=Missouri Supreme Court rules for governor in budget battle|url=http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/missouri-supreme-court-rules-for-governor-in-budget-battle/article_c2b01f63-5868-507a-8147-1c8dd931b351.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 1, 2013}} Schweich's lawsuit was dismissed by the Missouri Supreme Court in 2013 but the following year the Missouri General Assembly passed and voters approved Amendment 10, granting legislators the ability to overrule a governor's budget restrictions.{{cite news|last1=Boston|first1=Claire|title=Two ballot measures pass statewide, and two are defeated|url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/two-ballot-measures-pass-statewide-and-two-are-defeated/article_ed213198-bed1-5a2a-b50c-d43916119494.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Columbia Missouriran|date=November 9, 2014}}

Nixon drew praise for his handling of EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, 2011.{{cite news|last1=Kraske|first1=Steve|title=Missouri governor, Jay Nixon, drawing praise for handling disasters|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article24653578.html#ixzz1Q7m7G8pA|access-date=January 9, 2017|publisher=Kansas City Star|date=June 10, 2011}} The Associated Press in 2011 called him "a ubiquitous commander of disasters."{{cite news|title=Gov. Jay Nixon Ubiquitous as Disaster Commander|url=http://www.emissourian.com/news/state/gov-jay-nixon-ubiquitous-as-disaster-commander/article_e17a6792-9abe-11e0-b0c3-001cc4c03286.html|access-date=January 9, 2017|agency=Associated Press|date=June 19, 2011}}

Aiming to revitalize the state's automotive manufacturing industry, Nixon created an Automotive Jobs Task Force and in 2011 called a special session of the General Assembly to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. On October 21, 2011 Ford confirmed that it would make a $1.1 billion investment in its Kansas City Assembly Plant and add 1,600 jobs at the facility.{{cite news|title=Ford Confirms Increased Investment in Kansas City Plant For Transit Commercial Van Production, New Stamping Facility|url=https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-increased-investment-in-kansas-city-plant-for-tran.pdf|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=Ford Motor Company|date=October 21, 2011|archive-date=January 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113010251/https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2011/10/21/ford-confirms-increased-investment-in-kansas-city-plant-for-tran.pdf|url-status=dead}} On November 4, 2011 General Motors announced plans for a $380 million investment in its Wentzville plant outside St. Louis.{{cite news|last1=Carson |first1=David |title=GM announces $380 million investment at Wentzville assembly plant|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/gm-announces-million-investment-at-wentzville-assembly-plant/image_71dc5d23-a7dd-5d6c-8771-a5f8b7588f77.html|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch |date=November 4, 2011}} The St. Louis Post Dispatch editorialized that "key to both Ford and GM agreeing to expand in the state were incentives championed in last year's Legislative special session by Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, and the then-leaders of the House and Senate, Ron Richard and Charlie Shields, both Republicans."{{cite news|title=Editorial: More good news for Missouri from automotive industry |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/columns/the-platform/editorial-more-good-news-for-missouri-from-automotive-industry/article_2af3f2bc-480f-5902-ae45-b1dd62a21ca8.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=October 8, 2011}}

Running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship, Nixon was handily reelected in 2012 over Republican Dave Spence.{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Virginia|title=Nixon convinces Republican, rural voters to give him 2nd term |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nixon-convinces-republican-rural-voters-to-give-him-nd-term/article_55e8aac5-d13b-5759-b387-2b20fbf814b9.html|access-date=January 9, 2017|publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch|date=November 7, 2012}} He began his second term on January 14, 2013. In his inaugural address, he recalled Missouri's history as a Confederate State during the American Civil War while encouraging state Republicans and Democrats to unite for "the common good".Lieb, David A. (January 15, 2013). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-nixon-sworn-in-to/137507736/ Nixon sworn in to second term, calls for cooperation]. St. Joseph News-Press. In 2013, he joined with nine mayors to establish July 15 as Social Media Giving Day, encouraging citizens to support charities via social media.{{cite web |author=Jason Falls |title=Hey, Put Your Twitter Where Your Mouth Is |url=http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/social-media-marketing/hey-put-your-twitter-where-your-mouth-is |access-date=August 20, 2014 |publisher=Socialmediaexplorer.com}}

File:Gov. Jay Nixon at Hearnes Center.jpg volleyball game at the Hearnes Center, 2013.]]

Nixon's second term came with crisis following the August 9, 2014, shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by Darren Wilson, a police officer with the Ferguson police department. Brown's death sparked a series of violence and protests throughout the city. Nixon declared a state of emergency on November 17 and called in the National Guard to help restore peace and order.{{cite news|last1=Swaine|first1=Jon|title=Missouri governor declares state of emergency as national guard called in to Ferguson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/17/missouri-governor-state-of-emergency-ferguson|website=The Guardian |access-date=November 17, 2014|date=November 17, 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/14/ferguson-militarized-police/14064675/ |title=Police in Ferguson ignite debate about military tactics |work=USA Today |date=August 19, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Gibbons |first=Thomas |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/08/14/military-veterans-see-deeply-flawed-police-response-in-ferguson/ |title=Military veterans see deeply flawed police response in Ferguson |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 14, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2015}} However, the violence continued after Wilson was not indicted by a grand jury.{{cite news|author1=Davey, Monica |author2=Julie Bosman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/us/ferguson-darren-wilson-shooting-michael-brown-grand-jury.html|title=Protests Flare After Ferguson Police Officer Is Not Indicted|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 24, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Harlan |first=Chico |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ferguson-takes-stock-after-rage-over-grand-jury-decision/2014/11/25/ef06c696-7493-11e4-bd1b-03009bd3e984_story.html |title=After a night of violence in Ferguson, Nixon moves to prevent more destruction |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=April 1, 2015}} On November 27, Nixon reportedly rejected calls for a new grand jury to decide whether to charge Wilson over Brown's killing.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30221838|title=Ferguson shooting: Governor 'rejects calls for second jury'|work=BBC News|date=November 27, 2014}} His gubernatorial approval ratings, which were routinely in the 50s, fell dramatically during the crisis, and by December his approval rating stood at just 28 percent.Kraske, Steve (December 6, 2014). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-political-numbers-s/137704596/ POLITICAL NUMBERS SPEAK VOLUMES]. The Kansas City Star.

Following the death of State Auditor Tom Schweich, Nixon appointed Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway to fill the post in 2015.{{cite web |last1=Hancock |first1=Jason |title=Boone County's treasurer, Nicole Galloway, will become Missouri auditor |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article18508898.html |website=The Kansas City Star }} Galloway later won a full term as state auditor in the 2018 general election.{{cite web |last1=Fenske |first1=Sarah |title=Nicole Galloway Wins Missouri Auditor Race, a Lone Democrat in a Red State |url=https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2018/11/07/nicole-galloway-wins-missouri-auditor-race-a-lone-democrat-in-an-red-state |website=Riverfront Times |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221609/https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2018/11/07/nicole-galloway-wins-missouri-auditor-race-a-lone-democrat-in-an-red-state |url-status=dead }}

File:Governor Jay Nixon Speaks at Town Hall PTA Meeting.jpg

On August 2, 2016, Michael Barrett, director of the Missouri State Public Defender System, called on Nixon to act as a public defender in a criminal assault case. Nixon's communications director, Scott Holste, questioned the authority of Barrett to do so.{{cite news|last=Reilly|first=Katie|date=August 13, 2016|title=Missouri's Governor Cut Funding to the State's Public Defenders. So They Assigned Him a Case|publisher=Time|url=https://time.com/4439083/missouri-public-defender-governor-jay-nixon/|access-date=August 13, 2016}} The appointment followed a July 2016 legal action in which Barrett et al. challenged the constitutionality of restricting funds for indigent defense.{{cite news|last=Barrett|first=Michael|date=July 13, 2016|title=Public Defender Files Legal Challenge to Governor's Withhold Actions|publisher=Missouri State Public Defender, Office of the Director|url=http://publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/20160713_PDFilesLegalChallenge.html|access-date=August 14, 2016|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815073434/http://publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/20160713_PDFilesLegalChallenge.html|url-status=dead}}

In an open letter to Nixon, Barrett cited Missouri Revised Statues Section 600.042.5(1){{cite book|date=July 13, 2016|title=Missouri Revised Statutes|chapter=600, Public Defenders|publisher=Missouri General Assembly|chapter-url=http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/60000000421.html|access-date=August 14, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812083749/http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/60000000421.HTML|url-status=dead}} as well as the 6th and 14th amendments to the United States Constitution as reasons for the controversial action. Barrett blamed Nixon for the underfunding and understaffing of the public defender system and chose to appoint him because he was "the one attorney in the state who not only created the problem, but is in a unique position to address it."{{cite web|last=Barrett|first=Michael|date=August 2, 2016|title=Letter to the Honorable Jay Nixon|publisher=Missouri State Public Defender, Office of the Director|url=http://publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/Delegation_of_Representation.PDF|access-date=August 13, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806234044/http://www.publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/Delegation_of_Representation.PDF|url-status=dead}} According to Barrett, the funding for "resources that assist with delivering legal services" had increased between 5 and 6% since 2009, while costs over the same period had increased 18%. The case load had increased over 12% in the past year.{{cite news|last=Barrett|first=Michael|date=August 9, 2016|title=Public Defender Response to Governor's Comments|publisher=Missouri State Public Defender, Office of the Director|url=http://publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/Press_Release-8-9-16.pdf|access-date=August 13, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811044845/http://publicdefender.mo.gov/Newsfeed/Press_Release-8-9-16.pdf|url-status=dead}} According to a 2008 report by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Missouri ranks 49th in per capita legal aid spending.{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=Jo-Ann|date=June 2008|title=A Race to the Bottom: Evaluation: Trial-Level Indigent Defense Systems In Michigan|publisher=National Legal Aid & Defender Association|url=http://www.mynlada.org/michigan/michigan_report.pdf |access-date=August 14, 2016}}

Ruth Petsch, Jackson County Missouri's chief public defender, cited the lack of funding for inadequate defense and 9 to 12 month delays in adjudication for indigent persons who often remain in jail and are unable to maintain active employment during that time.{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Luke X.|date=August 11, 2016|title=Missouri's Top Public Defender Doubles Down On Jay Nixon's Assignment |publisher=KCUR Public Radio|url=http://kcur.org/post/missouris-top-public-defender-doubles-down-jay-nixons-assignment |access-date=August 13, 2016}}

From November 2015 to November 2016, Missouri added 57,100 jobs, more than all eight of its neighboring states.{{cite news |title=In new jobs, state excels|url=http://www.emissourian.com/opinion/editorials/in-new-jobs-state-excels/article_02696422-d285-11e6-9079-031e4c9d6ba0.html|access-date=January 9, 2017|publisher=Washington Missourian|date=January 5, 2017}}

Nixon left office on January 9, 2017, with the inauguration of his successor Eric Greitens. He was the first Missouri governor to complete two-full terms since John Ashcroft completed his second term in 1993. After leaving office, Jay Nixon State Park was opened in eastern Missouri.Johnson, Wes (January 11, 2017). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-new-1230-ac/137505554/ New 1,230-acre state park named for Nixon]. The Springfield News-Leader.

In mid-April 2019, Nixon served as a visiting Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/voices/events/jay-nixon-former-governor-of-missouri/|title=Jay Nixon, former Governor of Missouri|date=March 26, 2019|website=Voices in Leadership}}

Nixon represented televangelist Jim Bakker in his lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt for allegedly selling false cures for the 2019-20 strains of coronavirus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/jim-bakker-seeks-suit-dismissal-ex-governor-is-his-lawyer/570207402/|title=Jim Bakker seeks dismissal of suit claiming he touted false virus cure|last=Salter|first=John|date=May 5, 2020|work=Star Tribune|access-date=May 6, 2020|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507124231/https://www.startribune.com/jim-bakker-seeks-suit-dismissal-ex-governor-is-his-lawyer/570207402/|url-status=dead}}

Nixon was seen as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate election in 2022, with support from national party leaders such as Chuck Schumer.{{Cite web |last=Hancock |first=Jason |date= July 12, 2021|title=Jay Nixon plans to headline Clay County Democrat event, fueling Senate speculation • Missouri Independent |url=https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/12/jay-nixon-plans-to-headline-clay-county-democrat-event-fueling-senate-speculation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712112512/https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/12/jay-nixon-plans-to-headline-clay-county-democrat-event-fueling-senate-speculation/ |archive-date=2021-07-12 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Missouri Independent |language=en-US}} Ultimately, Nixon declined to run.{{Cite web |last=Hancock |first=Jason |date=2021-07-29 |title=Jay Nixon Will Not Run For Missouri's Open U.S. Senate Seat In 2022 |url=https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-07-29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729182003/https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2021-07-29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022 |archive-date=2021-07-29 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR |language=en}}

In 2023, Nixon was recruited by the organization No Labels to secure ballot access in all 50 states.{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Rudi |date=2023-07-31 |title=Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon enlists in effort to build new political force • Missouri Independent |url=https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/31/former-missouri-gov-jay-nixon-enlists-in-effort-to-build-new-political-force/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731202745/https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/31/former-missouri-gov-jay-nixon-enlists-in-effort-to-build-new-political-force/ |archive-date=2023-07-31 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Missouri Independent |language=en-US}}

File:Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon.jpg

After leaving office Nixon moved to University City, Missouri with his wife Georganne. The couple have two adult sons, Jeremiah and Will, both named after their father. Nixon is a Methodist.

{{Election box begin |title=Missouri gubernatorial election, 2012[http://enr.sos.mo.gov/ENR/Views/TabularData.aspx?TabView=StateRaces^Federal%20/%20Statewide%20Races^011656688155] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115072604/http://enr.sos.mo.gov/ENR/Views/TabularData.aspx?TabView=StateRaces%5EFederal+%2F+Statewide+Races%5E011656688155 |date=November 15, 2012 }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Jay Nixon (incumbent)

| votes = 1,485,147

| percentage = 54.68%

| change = −3.71%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Dave Spence

| votes = 1,157,475

| percentage = 42.62%

| change = +3.12%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| candidate = Jim Higgins

| votes = 73,196

| percentage = 2.70%

| change = +1.59%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri Gubernatorial Election 2008}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon

|votes = 1,680,611

|percentage = 58.40

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Kenny Hulshof

|votes = 1,136,364

|percentage = 39.49

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Andy Finkenstadt

|votes = 31,850

|percentage = 1.11

|change = -

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Constitution Party (United States)

|candidate = Greg Thompson

|votes = 28,941

|percentage = 1.01

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri Attorney General Election 2004}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon (incumbent)

|votes = 1,592,842

|percentage = 59.96

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Chris Byrd

|votes = 1,000,503

|percentage = 37.66

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = David R. Browning

|votes = 43,538

|percentage = 1.64

|change = -

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Constitution Party (United States)

|candidate = David Fry

|votes = 19,802

|percentage = 0.75

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri Attorney General Election 2000}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon (incumbent)

|votes = 1,378,296

|percentage = 60.25

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Sam Jones

|votes = 855,814

|percentage = 37.41

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Mitch Moore

|votes = 53,363

|percentage = 2.33

|change = -

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri Attorney General Election 1996}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon (incumbent)

|votes = 1,243,091

|percentage = 59.42

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mark Bredemeier

|votes = 767,962

|percentage = 36.71

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Constitution Party (United States)

|candidate = Kimberly Lowe

|votes = 81,074

|percentage = 3.88

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri Attorney General Election 1992}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon

|votes = 1,154,714

|percentage = 49.94

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = David L. Steelman

|votes = 1,064,814

|percentage = 46.05

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Mitchell J. Moore

|votes = 92,576

|percentage = 4.00

|change = -

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri U.S. Senate Election 1998}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Kit Bond

|votes = 830,625

|percentage = 52.68

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon

|votes = 690,208

|percentage = 43.77

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Tamara A. Millay

|votes = 31,876

|percentage = 2.02

|change = -

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Constitution Party (United States)

|candidate = David Fry

|votes = 15,368

|percentage = 0.97

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Reform Party (United States)

|candidate = James F. Newport

|votes = 8,780

|percentage = 0.56

|change =

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Missouri U.S. Senate Election 1988}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = John Danforth

|votes = 1,407,416

|percentage = 67.70

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jay Nixon

|votes = 660,045

|percentage = 31.75

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = John Guze

|votes = 11,410

|percentage = 0.55

|change = -

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090106045735/http://ago.mo.gov/ Attorney General website] {{small|(Archived)}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170106000457/https://www.governor.mo.gov/ Governor website] {{small|(Archived)}}
• {{C-SPAN|4343}}

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{{Governors of Missouri}}

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{{2014 Ferguson unrest}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nixon, Jay}}

Category:1956 births

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