JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Eric Greitens is a former Navy SEAL officer, New York Times bestselling author and black belt in taekwondo.

Next, he wants to be Missouri governor. The 42-year-old St. Louis Republican faces a competitive Aug. 2 primary against suburban St. Louis businessman John Brunner, former U.S. Attorney and House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

The candidates have similar stances against abortion and for gun rights.

Greitens has tried to differentiate himself as a first-time candidate and ex-Navy SEAL officer. He also was a Rhodes scholar and boxer. He founded a nonprofit that connects veterans with volunteer work. Greitens has been successful at fundraising. But he’s been criticized for keeping $1 million from a man accused of sexual abuse in a pending civil lawsuit.