In 1972, he made his first bid for governor, placing third in the Democratic primary, but attaining name recognition and the nickname "Walking Joe".

In 1976, after initially running for U.S. Senate, Teasdale switched races and made a second bid for the Governor's office.

In 1980, Teasdale beat back a primary challenge from State Treasurer Jim Spainhower, but was defeated by Bond in a rematch.

[11] He also advocated for making the position a full-time job, increasing the office's relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement, and hiring more investigators.

[24][25] Part of Teasdale's candidacy was rooted in his youth, depicting himself as a new face of the party, echoing an appeal similar to John F.

[35] In the primary, Teasdale faced a challenge against Senate President Pro Tempore William Cason.

[39] In the closing weeks, Teasdale ran a last minute campaign of ads, outspending Bond during the period.

[2][42] The victory prompted CBS News anchorman Dan Rather to quip on the air "..the story in the Midwest is not Jimmy Carter, it's Walkin' Joe Teasdale!

[46] During his tenure, Teasdale fought against utility companies by appointing new members to the Missouri Public Service Commission, the state agency tasked with approving or denying rates.

[5] Teasdale also advocated strongly for the Nursing Home Reform Act and the removal of sales tax on prescription drugs.

[5] He also proved willing to reach across party lines, supporting Republican Mel Hancock's amendment to limit state taxes.

[39] Teasdale also came out strongly against the Meramec Dam project, which would have greatly affected rivers in areas southwest of St.

Spainhower had been considered a potential challenger since 1977, owing to the fact he had been term limited as state treasurer.

[50] Spainhower made his plans official on August 15, 1979, attacking Teasdale fo his failures to lead, and for cronyism.

[51] Moreover, Spainhower received support from prominent Democrats such as Senator Thomas Eagleton and St. Louis Mayor Jim Conway.

After leaving the governorship in January, 1981, Teasdale returned to the Kansas City area and established a law practice.

One of his most notable cases was representing victims and surviving family of the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse.

[54] In 1982, he endorsed Burleigh Arnold in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and criticized Harriet Woods for her stance on abortion.

[56] In 1983, he endorsed Charles Curry for president, as part of a campaign to help a favorite son candidate give Missouri influence in the nomination process.

[61] In the late 1990s, his position on capital punishment having changed, he worked to achieve clemency for David Leisure, a man convicted of murder for a 1980 car bombing in St.

[3] His middle son, John, was a multisport standout at Rockhurst High School like his father before him and later played offensive tackle at the University of Notre Dame.