There was another shake-up in the race for Platte County Prosecuting Attorney, with a two-term state senator stepping into the race and now the only candidate on the ballot.
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, District 34, announced plans to hold a press conference in conjunction with retiring Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd last week. On Thursday, April 9, Luetkemeyer invited the media to the Olde Mill in downtown Parkville for a special announcement. Guests included Zahnd, Sheriff Erik Holland, and members of the Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police.
Luetkemeyer
On Tuesday, March 31, Zahnd withdrew his bid for reelection at 4:55 p.m. At 4:56 p.m., his long-time first assistant prosecutor, Mark Gibson, filed for election. The next morning, the Platte County Board of Elections announced that in accordance with state law, filing for the office of prosecuting attorney would reopen Tuesday, April 7 and close at 5 p.m. Friday, April 11.
On Thursday, Gibson withdrew his name from the ballot to make way for Leutkemeyer to file for election. At the end of filings on Friday, his name was the only one on the ballot, ushering him through the August primary unopposed. He is also unopposed in the November election, as no Democrat filed for the office.
“Serving the people of Platte and Buchanan counties has been a privilege,” Luetkemeyer said. “As Platte County prosecutor, I will work every day to ensure our neighborhoods are safe, violent criminals are held accountable, and law enforcement officers have the support they need to do their jobs effectively.”
In a press release, Luetkemeyer summarized his career in Jefferson City. Luetkemeyer currently serves as Majority Floor Leader and previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw key reforms to Missouri’s criminal justice system. During his legislative tenure, he has been a leading advocate for law enforcement funding, including efforts to prevent significant budget reductions to the Kansas City Police Department and to increase pay and protections for officers.
Luetkemeyer’s record includes passing legislation aimed at reducing violent crime, including measures to end “catch-and-release” policies for dangerous offenders and to provide additional tools for prosecutors and police to protect Missouri communities.
“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.”
Retiring Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd also voiced his support and endorsement.
“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.”
Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland praised Luetkemeyer’s long-standing support for law enforcement.
“Tony Luetkemeyer has been one of the strongest allies law enforcement has had in Jefferson City. He understands the challenges sheriffs and police officers face and has consistently fought to ensure we have the resources needed to protect our communities,” Holland said. “I fully support his candidacy for prosecutor.”
Leaders from the Missouri and Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police emphasized Luetkemeyer’s partnership with officers across the state.
“Senator Luetkemeyer has delivered real results for law enforcement — raising officer pay, protecting officers and their families, and ensuring departments have the tools they need,” said Brad Lemon, President of Lodge 99 and Executive Vice President of the Missouri Fraternal Order Police. “We are proud to endorse his campaign for Platte County prosecutor.”
A fifth-generation Missourian, Luetkemeyer grew up in southeast Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri, where he served as student body president. He later earned his law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law and clerked for a judge on the Missouri Supreme Court before entering private legal practice in the Kansas City area.
Luetkemeyer and his wife, Lucinda, reside in Parkville with their son. He remains active in the community and legal profession, and says his campaign will focus on safety, accountability, and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.