Jackson County could elect its first Black prosecutor this fall, but fears have arisen that a split Black vote in the Democratic primary race could squander the historic opportunity.
In an editorial published in the Kansas City Call, Urban League of Kansas City President and CEO Gwen Grant issued a plea urging one of the two Black female candidates to withdraw to consolidate support behind the stronger contender.
“If they both remain in the race, it is likely that neither will win,” Grant wrote of Melesa Johnson and Stephanie Burton.
Grant argued the presence of a third White candidate, John Gromowsky, means the two Black women risk dividing the Black vote and progressive vote, allowing Gromowsky — who is more conservative — to claim the nomination.
“A coalition of stakeholders comprised of civic, neighborhood, political, civil rights, and faith-based leaders and activists should convene a joint meeting with the two candidates to formulate a pathway forward that would result in the weaker candidate altruistically withdrawing from the race and magnanimously supporting the stronger candidate,” wrote Grant.
Meet the Candidate: Melesa Johnson
Meet the Candidate: Stephanie Burton
Grant pointed to current fundraising totals and community visibility as metrics favoring Johnson, Kansas City’s director of public safety, over Burton, a criminal defense attorney. “From my perspective, Melesa Johnson appears to be the stronger candidate as of now,” said Grant.
But Burton forcefully rejected any suggestion she should end her candidacy.
“I’m not going to be bullied out of my race by anyone,” Burton said. “Gwen Grant’s entitled to her opinion, but my record and experience stand on its own.”
A criminal trial attorney, Burton contended that the prosecutor’s race should be about qualifications and vision, not identity politics.
“It’s not about who’s got the most money or who’s the Blackest candidate,” Burton said. “It’s about who’s qualified to do the job.”
Burton contends that her extensive trial experience, canvassing efforts, and Freedom Inc. endorsement make her a viable candidate and highly qualified for the position.
“Let’s match up qualification for qualification,” says Burton. “While [Grant] can have her opinion, if she has to rely on the prosecutor to effectively try a case and pick a jury if something happened to someone in her family, that’s not the person that she’s gonna pick.”
Melesa Johnson says she agrees with Grant’s premise.
“If either Stephanie or I do not win, it’s probably going to be another eight years before we have another shot [at electing a Black prosecutor],” says Johnson.
Johnson says that her agreement isn’t entirely self-serving. While she believes she’s the best candidate, she also says it’s important to have a person of color elected to lead the prosecutor’s office, given “80% of victims, witnesses, and offenders are people of color.”
“At a time when we understand that those most impacted by an issue need to have the most substantial seat at the table, we really do need to capitalize on this opportunity,” says Johnson.
Johnson says she respects Burton, but when it comes to candidate metrics like endorsements, visibility, fundraising, and leadership experience, Johnson herself has the edge. She says she has plenty of trial experience herself but adds experience in coordinating programs and services.
“I would love to see the community rally around me,” says Johnson. “I’m just going to keep working hard and putting myself out there to make sure that if I’m not successful in this race, it will not be because I was outworked.”
Gromowsky, the third candidate, did not respond to multiple interview requests or participate in a recent candidate forum hosted by Black Excellence KC and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. At the candidate forum, members of the audience voiced concerns about Gromowsky’s absence and his anti-abortion views, given that the prosecutor could choose to criminally charge women who opt for abortion. Gromowsky has also raised more money to date than either Burton or Johnson.
Historically, whoever wins the Democratic primary in this race wins the general election, which adds importance to the primary. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s primary is Aug. 6, and early absentee voting begins June 25. The last day to register to vote is July 10. Register at jcebmo.org.
