As Kansas City voters head to the polls in 2024, they’ll find a mix of competitive races and unopposed incumbents across Missouri’s legislative districts. From the Northland to South Kansas City, and from Raytown to Grandview, these contests feature candidates making history, political newcomers, and established leaders seeking to maintain their seats.
Several races stand out for their potential to shape regional politics. In Jackson County, the departure of longtime prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has set up a historic contest between two accomplished candidates. Meanwhile, the Missouri House races reflect the region’s changing demographics, with several districts represented by groundbreaking incumbents facing challenges from candidates offering sharply different visions for their communities.
While some districts feature robust campaigns with clear policy contrasts, others have drawn minimal opposition, with several Republican candidates maintaining low profiles in traditionally Democratic areas. The outcomes of these races could influence everything from gun legislation and abortion rights to tax policy and public transportation in the Kansas City metro area.
Here’s a look at the key races that will appear on Kansas City area ballots:
Jackson County Prosecutor Race
With incumbent Jean Peters Baker not seeking re-election, the race for Jackson County prosecutor features two candidates making their own bits of history. Either Democrat Melesa Johnson or Republican Tracey Chappell will be Jackson County’s first Black female prosecutor.
Johnson, a Jackson County native and University of Missouri Law graduate, brings experience from both the prosecutor’s office and city hall, where she currently serves as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ public safety director. Her platform emphasizes violence prevention through the expansion of COMBAT programming and improved witness protection, while also proposing a new property crimes division and better detective-prosecutor coordination.
Chappell, who made history as Blue Springs’ first African-American woman prosecutor, brings experience as a former senior assistant county counselor. Her “common-sense priorities” focus on prosecuting violent and property crimes while expanding mental health courts. She emphasizes rebuilding trust between the prosecutor’s office and the community.
The race presents voters with two candidates focused on reshaping the county’s approach to criminal justice. Johnson emphasizes preventative programs, while Chappell focuses on prosecution priorities and transparency. To learn more about the candidates, read our full profiles at bit.ly/MelesaJohnson and bit.ly/CandidateChappell
Unopposed Races
Mark Sharp continues his tenure in House District 37, running unopposed. Sharp, whose father, John Sharp, served on the city council, has been in office since 2019. His legislative record includes sponsoring Blair’s Law, addressing celebratory gunfire, and strengthening witness protection programs.
Melissa Douglas is the sole candidate in House District 27 after Richard Brown reached his term limit and is running for lieutenant governor. She is a first-time candidate for office but is the 17th Ward Democratic Party committeewoman. She brings her 17 years of experience as a KCPS homeless family liaison and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and public administration.
Races to Watch
State House District 12 in the Northland presents an engaging contest. Democratic incumbent Jamie Johnson, who made history in 2022 as Platte County’s first Black representative, faces a challenge from Air Force veteran and business owner Mike Jones. Johnson focuses on healthcare access and gun safety legislation, while Jones emphasizes tax cuts and law enforcement support.
House District 36 in southern Jackson County features an intriguing matchup. Democratic incumbent Anthony Ealy Jr., Missouri’s youngest-ever state representative and Grandview’s first Black representative, faces Vietnam veteran and former military chaplain Dave Thomas. Ealy, a practicing attorney and former Cleaver aide, champions public transit expansion and library funding, while Thomas runs on a Trumpian “America First” platform.
The District 28 race centered in Raytown features Democrat Donna Barnes seeking to succeed her term-limited husband, Jerome Barnes. A retired postal worker and Connection Point church member, Barnes prioritizes healthcare and senior tax relief, carrying forward her husband’s community focus. Her Republican opponent, Steven W. Hinton, has maintained no visible campaign presence.
In District 26, first-time candidate Democrat Tiffany Price is looking to fill the shoes of Ashley Bland Manlove, who chose not to seek reelection despite having one term remaining. Price brings her experience as founder of Hold Em Up 4 Care, a youth-focused nonprofit. She emphasizes mental health access and anti-discrimination protections. Her Republican opponent, Anthony Zarantonello, has not actively campaigned.
District 22’s race features Democratic incumbent Yolanda Young, an Ivanhoe neighborhood advocate and partner in the urban Young Family Farm, is facing Republican Mireya Barragan. Young won the seat in 2020 when Brandon Ellington was elected to the KC City Council. Young’s legislative work includes school mental health funding and minimum wage increases, while Barragan has maintained no visible campaign presence.
In District 23, incumbent Democrat Michael Johnson, an insurance agent and Army veteran, faces Republican Daniel P. Contreras. Johnson, whose uncle Charles Hazley served on the city council, has focused on urban internet access and environmental legislation. Contreras, a Jackson County Republican committeeman, runs a multimedia brand and podcast.
The Senate District 9 race covering eastern Jackson County pits incumbent Democrat Barbara Washington against Republican Derron Black. Washington, an attorney and former House member, has sponsored nearly 50 bills on criminal justice reform. Long-time activist Black makes his first Republican bid after several Democratic campaigns. He advocates for school choice and business deregulation.
