KC Mayor Lucas, considered a potential Senate candidate, plans to run for mayor again
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Tuesday night that he is planning to make another run for mayor to stay on after his current term ends in 2023.
Lucas, a first-term mayor who has openly flirted with a bid for U.S. Senate, made the comment during a year-end review discussion that was live-streamed over Facebook. It was prompted by an audience participant who asked whether Lucas intended to remain in his post or “move on to higher endeavors.”
“I like being mayor. I’m planning to run for reelection,” Lucas said, before pausing to give a thumbs up.
“I’m proud to be from Kansas City,” he added. “Y’all have given me a dream job of mine, and, you know what, I’m honored to do it each and every day — even on the toughest days.”
Questions about Lucas’ political future have swirled in recent months after he announced he was considering a higher office, possibly retiring U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt’s seat. Blunt, a Republican, announced last year that his current term would be his last, setting off interest among candidates on both sides of the aisle.
Lucas has the option to run for Senate without risking his seat as mayor, which won’t be on the ballot until 2023. But he’d likely face criticism for juggling his duties as the city’s chief executive against a campaign schedule.
Official candidate filings for Missouri’s 2022 primary elections have yet to begin. But the mayor is currently the highest-profile Democrat to be considered a contender. Several well-known Republicans have already entered the fray, including Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, disgraced ex-Gov. Eric Grietens and Mark McCloskey, the gun rights folk hero and personal injury attorney from St. Louis.
Lucas was elected mayor in 2019 on a platform that focused on housing issues. He has made regular trips to Washington to meet with members of the congressional delegation during his time in office.
Speaking to his Facebook audience on Tuesday night, Lucas recalled “a tough conversation” with a Northland group during the 2020 summer protests for racial justice in Kansas City. He referenced that meeting among other conversations he seeks to have with people whose views do not necessarily align with his own.
“I feel like this is why I’m here,” he said. “ I’m here because I want to make sure Kansas City knows — everybody in Kansas City knows — there’s somebody who at least listens to them.”
The Star’s Jonathan Shorman and Bryan Lowry contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 8:48 PM.
