Who is Kay Barnes? Meet Jackson County’s new temporary executive
Kay Barnes, a longtime figure in Kansas City politics, is poised to return to public office to temporarily serve as the top official for Jackson County.
Barnes, 87, will take over an office embroiled in controversy after voters recalled Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. amid a wave of criticism and tensions between residents and Jackson County officials.
The appointment, announced Thursday by the Jackson County Legislature, marks a return to the political arena for Barnes, who is often credited with reinvigorating downtown in her former role as mayor.
Originally from St. Joseph, Barnes was the first woman in Kansas City history to hold the position of mayor. She served two terms from 1999 to 2007 before leaving public office to work as a director at Park University.
Barnes’ tenure as mayor was marked by a period of massive downtown development in Kansas City. Her administration spearheaded development of the city’s urban core, shaping the Power and Light District and encouraging creation of new homes.
“Kay Barnes set the stage for this city’s revival that we are seeing continue to flourish,” former Mayor Sly James said in 2018. “If it wasn’t for what she did, we wouldn’t have this situation that we have now. It’s just that simple.”
Impact on Kansas City
But perhaps her most visible achievement was centered around her administration’s role in securing the Sprint Center, now called the T-Mobile Center.
“For the first time in decades, downtown Kansas City became a place where people wanted to be — not just for work, but for life,” the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City wrote in a glowing profile of Barnes this summer.
Local leaders honored Barnes’ impact on Kansas City in 2018 when they renamed the grand ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center in her honor. The recognition drew some criticism at the time for not properly honoring her in comparison to streets, the airport and riverfront named for other top former officials.
While Barnes is most well-known for her role as Kansas City mayor, she also briefly ran for Congress in 2008 against U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, a Missouri Republican. In public comments from the time, Barnes attempted to tie Graves to President George Bush’s handling of the Iraq War and other unpopular issues.
As the Democratic nominee, Barnes was soundly defeated by Graves in the general election for the 6th Congressional District.
What happens next?
After Barnes’ appointment on Thursday, she will serve in the role for at least the next 30 days.
During that period, the Jackson County Legislature will decide whether to affirm her appointment or decide on a different candidate.
However, if the legislature fails to come to an agreement, a local judge will select a nominee who would serve out the remainder of White’s term through the end of 2026.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 3:09 PM.
