Nixon accepts governorship
Governor-elect Jay Nixon and his family stand before an estimated crowd of 1,500 people at The Pageant in St. Louis as he officially celebrates his victory over Republican opponent Kenny Hulshof.
Jay Nixon will be the next governor of Missouri. Republican candidate Kenny Hulshof conceeded the race around 10 p.m.
Coach Allen Davis, a basketball coach at De Soto High School and Nixon's longtime friend, introduced Nixon as the next governor.
"Today the people of Missouri said we want change," Davis said to the cheering crowd.
Nixon then walked out on stage with his family close behind.
"It has been a great day," Nixon said to the crowd.
As part of his acceptance speech, Nixon promised Missourians the change he talked about during his campaign.
"Change means restoring the 2005 health care cuts and helping more Missouri families realize the dream of a college education," Nixon said.
The crowds cheered as Nixon accepted his position. While the event staff did not know how many people attended the watch party, Nixon's campaign spokesman Oren Shur said 1,000 people attended the watch party.
Missourians at the watch party celebrated Nixon's win as the best move for the state.
"It's a great day for the state of Missouri," Nixon supporter David Cosgrove said
At the end of his speech, Nixon called for an end to dividing partisanship.
"It's time to put politics behind us," Nixon said.
