JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A spokesman for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is leaving the governor’s office to lead Parson’s expected re-election campaign.

The Republican governor announced Steele Shippy will be his campaign manager Thursday.

Parson has not formally announced plans to seek another term in 2020. But he’s expected to officially enter the race in the coming weeks.

Parson was elected lieutenant governor in 2016. He assumed the governorship when former Republican Gov. Eric Greitens resigned last year in the face of possible impeachment.

Democratic Auditor Nicole Galloway also has not officially announced plans to run but is expected to challenge Parson.

Shippy previously led Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s successful 2016 campaign. Shippy was Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s executive assistant.

Kelli Jones will take over as the governor’s top official spokeswoman.