Frank White says he won’t run again regardless of recall, citing cancer recovery
Jackson County Executive Frank White shared this week that health concerns played a role in his decision to step down at the end of his term and not to run again for his seat in 2026, regardless of the results of an upcoming election to recall him.
White, a Democrat, has been County Executive since 2016. The former Kansas City Royals player and Hall of Famer told a Kansas City podcaster earlier this month that he would not seek re-election in 2026. He affirmed his decision in a Wednesday letter addressed to “Jackson County associates.”
“This was not an easy decision,” White wrote. “Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together.”
White followed the letter with a news release Thursday stating that he is currently “cancer-free” after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022. One of White’s kidneys was removed as part of his treatment, he wrote, and early intervention contributed to his recovery.
“This job has been one of the greatest honors of my life, but after my diagnosis, I knew I wanted more time with Teresa, my children, and my grandchildren,” White wrote. “Until then, I remain committed to fulfilling my term of service with focus and determination.”
Though White wrote that he “remains committed” to the county executive seat through the end of 2026, Jackson County residents will vote next month on whether to recall him. If the September 30 vote lands in favor of a recall, White’s term will end that night.
The recall election was prompted by a petition signed by more than 43,000 Jackson County voters, with recall efforts centered in the eastern portion of the county and aided by Democracy in Action, a “dark money” political action group. The election was scheduled for September 30 by a Jackson County judge following multiple legal challenges from voters, former county politicians and the Jackson County and Kansas City election boards.
