Jackson County Prosecutor
With incumbent Jean Peters Baker not seeking re-election, the race for Jackson County has been the most engaging race of the election season. However, from the primary through the general election, Democrat Melesa Johnson was the frontrunner.
After a competitive primary win over two highly qualified opponents, she faced off against Tracey Chappell, a Black Republican and defense attorney, in the general election.
The race presented voters with two candidates focused on reshaping the county’s approach to criminal justice. Johnson emphasized preventative programs, while Chappell focused on prosecution priorities and transparency.
In what was a close race in heavily Democratic Jackson County, Johnson prevailed with 57% of the vote to Chappell’s 43%.
Missouri Unopposed Races
Mark Sharp ran unopposed for his last two-year term representing Missouri House District 37. He was first elected in 2019 and reaches his eight-year term limit at the end of 2027. His legislative record includes sponsoring Blair’s Law, addressing celebratory gunfire, and strengthening witness protection programs.
Melissa Douglas was the sole candidate in House District 27 after Richard Brown reached his term limit. What an easy start for a first-time candidate. She brings to the position 17 years of experience as a KCPS homeless family liaison and she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and public administration.
Competitive Race Results
Jamie Johnson, who made history in 2022 as Platte County’s first Black representative, faced a challenge from Air Force veteran and business owner Mike Jones. While Johnson’s campaign focused on healthcare access and gun safety legislation, Jones emphasized tax cuts and law enforcement support.
It was an appealing message that helped him eke out a victory by just 200 votes in this Northlands race.
House District 36 in southern Jackson County featured an intriguing matchup. Democratic incumbent Anthony Ealy Jr., Missouri’s youngest-ever state representative and Grandview’s first Black representative, faced Vietnam veteran and former military chaplain Dave Thomas. Ealy, a practicing attorney and former aide to Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, championed public transit expansion and library funding, while Thomas ran on a Trumpian “America First” platform.
In a rather close race, Ealy prevailed with 61.5% of the vote.
The District 28 race centered in Raytown featured Democrat Donna Barnes seeking to succeed her term-limited husband, Jerome Barnes. A retired postal worker and Connection Point Church member, Barnes prioritized healthcare and senior tax relief, carrying forward her husband’s community focus. It was enough to gain her a win over Republican opponent Steven Hinton with 68% of the vote.
In District 26, first-time candidate Democrat Tiffany Price was 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.She beat her Republican opponent, Anthony Zarantonello, who did not actively campaign, with 84% of the vote.
District 22’s race featured Democratic incumbent Yolanda Young, an Ivanhoe neighborhood advocate and partner in the urban Young Family Farm, who faced off against Republican Mireya Barragan. Young won the seat in 2020 when Brandon Ellington was elected to the KC City Council. She won her race with 77.3% of the vote.
In District 23, incumbent Democrat Michael Johnson, an insurance agent and Army veteran, faced Republican Daniel P. Contreras. Johnson, nephew of former Councilman Charles Hazley, has focused on urban internet access and environmental legislation; he won with 86% of the vote.
The Senate District 9 race covering eastern Jackson County put incumbent Democrat Barbara Washington against Republican Derron Black. Washington, an attorney and former House member, has sponsored nearly 50 bills on criminal justice reform. Black, a long-time activist, made his first Republican bid after several Democratic campaigns. Washington won with 79% of the vote.
