Missouri senator to run for Platte County prosecutor in ‘musical chairs’ twist
A term-limited Missouri state senator known for his support of law enforcement announced his candidacy for Platte County prosecutor Thursday, a week after the county’s longtime prosecutor revealed plans to retire.
Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, announced plans to enter the race for Platte County prosecutor Thursday afternoon at a news conference in downtown Parkville. His decision to run comes just one week after Eric Zahnd, the county’s longest-serving prosecutor, announced he would no longer be running for reelection last Tuesday and backed his longtime colleague to succeed him.
Luetkemeyer’s decision to run for county prosecutor comes after previous unsuccessful bids for higher office, including an attempt to join the Missouri Supreme Court.
Zahnd said the Platte County prosecutor candidacy has been like a game of “musical chairs” over the past week.
Last Tuesday, Zahnd, who has served as the county prosecutor since 2003, withdrew his name from the August primary ballot five minutes before the 5 p.m. filing deadline, according to candidate filing records. Just one minute later, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson, Zahnd’s longtime colleague, filed to enter the race.
The last minute nature of the decision prompted the Platte County Board of Elections to extend the filing deadline to this Friday instead, per state law. When a candidate who had previously filed to run withdraws within two days of the filing deadline, Missouri election law instructs local election boards to reopen the filing window.
In addition to Luetkemeyer’s announcement, Gibson also announced plans to withdraw from the race on Thursday, leaving Luetkemeyer uncontested. If elected, Luetkemeyer vowed to keep Gibson on as first assistant.
“(Gibson’s) experience, professionalism and steady leadership have been invaluable,” Luetkemeyer said.
Now, Zahnd, who has been at the center of an ongoing dispute among Republican officials in Platte County in recent months, said he will support Luetkemeyer in the race. Zahnd will finish out the remainder of his term, which is set to end Dec. 31.
“Tony brings the right combination of legal experience, public service, and commitment to justice,” Zahnd said. “His work in the Missouri Senate demonstrates a clear understanding of what it takes to keep communities safe while upholding the rule of law. Under his leadership, the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office will be in good hands.”
Luetkemeyer was first elected to represent Buchanan and Platte counties on the State Senate in 2018. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate for law enforcement funding, including efforts to prevent significant budget reductions to the Kansas City Police Department.
“As important as that work has been, I believe I can make an even greater impact here closer to home in Platte County, by ensuring that our laws are enforced effectively, consistently and with integrity,” he said.
At the news conference Thursday, Luetkemeyer said he was approached around six months ago to run for congress, but ultimately decided to stay closer to home. He officially made the decision to run for Platte County prosecuting attorney on Monday, he said.
Luetkemeyer is backed by Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland, Brad Lemon, the executive vice president of the Missouri Fraternal Order Police, and various Republican candidates running for office in Platte County.
“Platte County deserves a prosecutor who will stand up for victims, support law enforcement and keep our communities safe,” Luetkemeyer said. “That is exactly what I intend to do.”
