Melesa Johnson, a 35-year-old Democrat, made history by defeating Republican Tracey Chappell, also a Black woman, to become the first Black woman prosecutor in Jackson County, Missouri.
KCUR reported that the campaign focused on addressing crime in the predominantly Democratic county. Johnson secured a decisive victory, emphasizing aggressive prosecution and crime prevention strategies. She will succeed Jean Peters Baker, who had held the position since 2011 but opted not to run for another term. Johnson began her legal career in Baker’s office as a young attorney and most recently served as the director of public safety for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
During her watch party on November 5, Johnson expressed hope that her win would inspire young Black girls. Johnson triumphed with 57% of the vote compared to Chappell’s 43%.
