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    • Melesa Johnson makes history as the first black woman elected JaxCo prosecutor
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    Melesa Johnson makes history as the first black woman elected JaxCo prosecutor

    Online Niel Posted on

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Voters made a historic choice Tuesday night with the election of Melesa Johnson as Jackson County District Attorney.

    Johnson is the first black woman to hold this position.

    Johnson, a Democrat, defeated Republican Tracey Chappell by a wide margin.

    She replaces Jean Peters Baker, who was appointed to the post in 2011.

    Peters Baker won election in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She was the second woman to serve as Jackson County District Attorney.

    Johnson, who served as KCMO’s director of public safety, will take over the largest prosecutor’s office in the metro area.

    The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for prosecuting felonies and misdemeanors in Jackson County, according to a statement on its website.

    Most of the cases processed and judged by the lawyers in the prosecutor’s office are crimes.

    Johnson said in campaign literature that he is committed to standing with those who need a voice and a solution. I stand with our seniors, our matriarchs and patriarchs who deserve safety, with former justices fighting for a brighter future, and with all residents who seek a more peaceful Jackson County.”

    Johnson graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a pre-law major.

    He then graduated from the University of Missouri Law School.

    Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas released a statement congratulating Johnson.

    I’m excited for my friend and colleague Melesa Johnson for her historic victory tonight in the race for Jackson County District Attorney.

    During my time in my office, Attorney-Elect Johnson built and managed violence-ending strategies that saved lives and brought peace to Kansas City’s long-challenged neighborhoods. She is well suited to bring our police, communities, businesses and all of us together to build a safer Kansas City.

    With her victory, we will now launch a search beginning tomorrow for Kansas City’s next Director of Public Safety. I hope that whoever succeeds her in the role will be able to continue her exceptionally successful track record.

    I will miss her presence at City Hall, but look forward to continuing to work closely with Melesa to build on our progress and continue the journey toward a safer Kansas City for all.

    KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas

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