The Jackson County Democratic Committee has played a pivotal role in local Kansas City politics since its founding in 1932 under infamous chairman Tom Pendergast, who ran it like a formidable political machine. While times have changed, in heavily Democratic Jackson County, the organization remains a political powerhouse.
Current Chair Dee Evans isn’t the kind of political king(queen)pin that Pendergast was, however, the organization still maintains an active core of “foot soldiers” in their respective wards and townships who are dedicated to grassroots efforts and advancing Democratic values.
Evans’ role as chairwoman is historic. She’s the first African-American woman to hold this prestigious position, ascending to the leadership role as a temporary chair in late 2021 after the untimely passing of then-Chair Paul Wrabec. Since then, she was officially elected to the position.
Role of Jackson County Democratic Committee
The committee is composed of 94 elected committeemen and committeewomen to keep fellow Democrats informed and engaged at the local ward and township levels.
One of the organization’s major priorities is recruiting candidates and helping them recruit volunteers, raise money, and implement campaign plans. In addition, they encourage individuals to get out to vote, and work beyond their own organization to engage activists to help organize their communities and register voters.
“Our No. 1 priority is working with our constituents in Jackson County, ensuring they have access to voting and getting them to the polls,” Evans said. “We want people to realize that you have to vote not just in presidential elections but locally because those are the officials making laws that impact your daily life “
Political Upbringing
Evans, a KC native, has been deeply involved in local politics for most of her life. She recalls being a teenager engaging in grassroots door-to-door canvassing with members of her politically active family. This early exposure laid the foundation for her enduring commitment to effecting positive change through political activism.
She served as the campaign manager for her aunt, Yvonne S. Wilson, during her successful campaigns for both Missouri state representative and senator. This hands-on experience in campaign management offered Evans a firsthand understanding of the complexities of the political landscape in Jefferson City and reinforced her commitment to advancing Democratic values at every level of government.
Evans earned multiple degrees and her career work was as the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s assistant director of external relations. She retired from that position in 2021.
She has been actively involved in numerous other community initiatives and organizations, including Freedom, Inc., and her longtime role as one of the co-founders who stuck with the long process of opening the nonprofit community-based WeDevelopment Credit Union
August Primary Elections
Under Evans’ leadership, the Jackson County Democratic Committee is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections.
In heavily Democrat-leaning areas like most of Kansas City and parts of Jackson County, the primary is of keen importance to determining who will ultimately win the general election.
Where there are primaries with Democrats competing against other Democrats, the committee does not endorse one over another but encourages the electorate to learn about the candidates and show up on Aug. 8.
“I’m just encouraging people to vote, vote your heart, and vote the right way,” says Evans.
This August, key primary races on the ballot for Jackson County voters include a prosecuting attorney and a state senate and house race. There are three Democrats competing in the primary race for prosecuting attorney: John Gromowsky, Stephanie Burton, and Melesa Johnson.
Burton and Johnson are both women of color seeking the office currently held by Jean Peters Baker. Gromowsky is a longtime lawyer who works in the current prosecutor’s office. Burton is a trial attorney known for her work with the Midwest Innocence Project. Johnson formerly worked in the prosecutor’s office and is currently KC’s director of public safety.
“I think those in the prosecutor’s race are all very qualified,” says Evans. “We’ll just see who the general public chooses.”
For the Missouri Senate District 9 seats, incumbent Barbara Washington will face off in a primary against former KCMO Councilmember Brandon Ellington. In House District 28 seat, Mike Sager is competing against Donna Barnes in the primary. Incumbent Jerome Barnes has reached his term limit.
Another race to watch is Missouri Senate District 7, which has been occupied by Greg Razer. Gov. Mike Parson appointed Razer to the state’s Tax Commission, making him ineligible to hold his senate seat. Razer has endorsed Pat Contreras to take his seat if Razer is confirmed to the tax commission, but in any case, Evans says this is a seat local Democrats can’t afford to lose.
November General Election
Voters can register on Jackson County’s website at bit.ly/3xZCY6b. Evans says that if you’d like to volunteer, canvass, get yard signs, or get more info on candidates, reach out to the Jackson County Democratic Committee directly at JacksonCoDems.org.
Evans says in the November general election, engagement with the candidates in eastern Jackson County is important, with Democrats attempting to flip seats in Blue Springs and Grain Valley.
Jackson County Sheriff is also a key race, but current Sheriff Darryl Forte is running unopposed in his primary.
“We have an opportunity to secure our democracy in Missouri by getting out there, working hard, raising money, and supporting strong candidates,” says Evans.
