These are the Kansas City-area election results you might have missed
Kansas City has wrapped up its spring local elections, deciding on dozens of important municipal, school and tax issues across the Missouri side of the metro.
The Star was up late providing live results, discussing the implications of votes like the earnings tax and listening to winners’ comments — including some surprising grocery store news out of Lee’s Summit.
Each tax and bond issue tracked by The Star was passed by voters, as well as a property tax cap in Platte County, which still faces legal hurdles.
But if you’re just catching up now on the outcome of races across the area or in your community specifically, we’ve got a roundup for you.
These results are unofficial, pending formal certification by each county.
Kansas City earnings tax
Voters overwhelmingly decided to pass the city’s earnings tax and keep it going for another five years. Around 30,000, or 75%, of voters backed the tax with about 25% opposed, or just under 10,000.
The margin was even larger among Kansas City voters south of the river, as compared to Clay and Platte counties in the Northland, with around 81% of voters approving.
Blue Springs
For Blue Springs City Council, incumbent Jerry Kaylor bested Jesse Grimm for the District 1 seat (913 to 870 votes). Brian Markworth was elected to the District 2 seat, beating out Byron Craddolph (735 to 684). And incumbent Nick Brummel took the District 3 seat unopposed.
The Blue Springs R-4 School Board will include Allison Johnston, incumbent Rebeca Swank and Ken Horrell (5,734 to 5,249 to 4,344). They beat out Joseph Donohue and Joseph Frego (3,095 to 2,394).
A bond to improve a shared wastewater facility used by Blue Springs also passed with 85% support (4323 to 784).
Center schools
The Kansas City school district Center 58 will have three new faces on its school board after ousting an incumbent.
Kristin Stokely, Melissa Bellante and Marsha Brown earned spots over incumbent Ira Boydston IV (1,988 to 1,453 to 1,453 to 629).
Voters also approved a $29 million bond to improve school facilities and a tax levy transfer to provide for day-to-day operations; neither would increase the tax rate due to how they are structured, according to the district. The bond issue had 85% support, the tax levy transfer 78%.
Grain Valley
To win election as Grain Valley mayor, Bob Headley beat out Scotty McMasters (773 to 652).
More than 70% of voters approved a bond to fund upgrades to Grain Valley schools (1,597 to 647).
Hickman Mills schools
Byron Townsend, Irene Kendrick and Evelyn Hildebrand were elected to the school board (1,305 to 1,291 to 1,240, respectively).
Townsend and Kendrick are current board members, and Hildebrand is a former member. Incumbent April Cushing and newcomer Matthew E. Williams fell short in the election.
The Hickman Mills school bond passed overwhelmingly (2,369 to 572), and the corresponding tax levy passed as well (2,197 to 738). The district has said the funds will be crucial in dealing with its budget crisis.
Independence
Independence voters chose Kevin King as their new mayor, beating out Bridget McCandless (7,779 to 5,081).
Newcomers Cody Atkinson and Jackie Dorman took the two Independence City Council seats (6,992 and 6,092, respectively), over incumbent Jared Fears and Lucy Young (5,110 and 4,234).
On the Independence school board, Sarah Wimberley received the most votes, followed by Justin Durham (4,886 and 3,920 votes, respectively). They’ll take the two open seats over Jeff Jewell and Zac Harmon-McLaughlin (3,788 and 3,751).
The $60 million bond to fund Independence school renovations passed with 72% of the votes (7,209 to 2,675).
Lee’s Summit
Beto Lopez will lead Lee’s Summit as mayor, taking home more votes than Cynda Rader (9,817 to 7,658).
On the Lee’s Summit City Council, three council seats appear set, but two others have narrow margins in unofficial results.
Only 57 votes separate District 2 incumbent Shari Williams Frazier from challenger Will Kraus (2,807 to 2,750). Nyauna Cravens leads by 46 votes in her bid for an unexpired term in District 4 over Robert G. “Bob” Jones and Scott Shepherd (1,612, 1,566 and 627 respectively).
Melanie Adkins bested Dana Arth for the District 3 seat (2,444 to 1,586). Incumbent Donnie Funk beat off self-described political outsider Zak Al-Shawish in District 4 (2,254 to 1,704). Finally, Mia Prier took the district 1 seat unopposed (2,724).
The Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board will have three new members: incumbents Kamile Johnson and Erica Dolores Miller and newcomer Rodrick K. Sparks (8,575 to 7,976 to 7,836 respectively). This means Kirsti A. Martin, Regina Garrett, Matt Warton and withdrawn candidate Christopher Thornton will not serve on the board (6,918 to 6,587 to 6,303 to 96, respectively).
The school district’s tax levy that it says will help increase teacher pay passed with 60% of the votes (10,279 to 6,813).
Gladstone City Council
In the one contested race for Gladstone City Council, incumbent Cameron Nave beat former council member Bill Garnos (854 to 231).
Incumbent Tina M. Spallo and Mayor Les Smith were reelected in unopposed races.
North Kansas City Council
Local parks and recreation advocate Synthia Larson won a seat on the North Kansas City Council over incumbent Yvonne Salinas in Ward 4 (58-36).
In Ward 1, incumbent Anthony Saper triumphed over Rita Pierce in Ward 1 (99 votes to 30). Incumbents Lyndsey Magrone and Linda Alvarez ran unopposed. during Tuesday’s municipal election.
North Kansas City schools
The two seats up for election on the North Kansas City Schools Board of Education were easily won by two incumbents Tuesday after a third candidate encouraged voters to cast their votes in favor of his opponents.
Laura Wagner and Karee Gleason-Miller re-took their seats over Jason Russell (6,183 to 4,305 to 2,232).
Platte County Homestead Property Tax
Platte County voters passed a ballot measure intended to cap how much property taxes can increase each year for homeowners.
But even with voter approval, the future of the tax relief program is uncertain as lawsuits against it make their way through the courts.
The issue had 81% support, or 8,395 votes to 2,180 against.
Park Hill school board
Two incumbents and a nonprofit founder earned seats on the Park Hill School District Board of Education.
Current board members Alexia Norris and Janice Bolin, plus Deanna Muñoz, won, defeating Brandon Kleinmeyer (4,861 to 4,320 to 4,155 to 3,003).
Parkville Board of Aldermen
A former Parkville police officer won a seat on the Parkville Board of Aldermen over an incumbent aiming for a third term. Mark Hill beat Bob Bennett for a seat representing Ward 2 (229 to 184).
In Ward 1, incumbent Tina Welch won the seat over Joe Leluga (175 to 131).
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 7:46 AM.
