Melesa Johnson Becomes 1st Black Woman Elected As Jackson County Prosecutor

Voters in Kansas City, Missouri made a historic choice on Election Night.

On Tuesday (November 5), Democrat Melesa Johnson was elected as Jackson County prosecutor, making her the first Black woman to hold that office, per KSHB.

Johnson defeated Republican Tracey Chappell in the race for Jackson County prosecutor by a large margin.

“It’s honestly surreal,” Johnson said Tuesday night. “I’m excited, full, and hopeful, but know we have a lot of work to do.”

Johnson will succeed Jean Peters Baker, who has served as Jackson County prosecutor since 2012. Peters Baker was only the second woman to be elected to the position.

“We must also honor the shoulders on which we stand. And, yes, a set of those shoulders belongs to none other than Jean Peters Baker,” Johnson said.

Johnson previously worked as the director of public safety in Kansas City. Throughout her campaign, Johnson emphasized her upbringing around crime and how she was going to combat the issue.

“I’m not your average candidate for prosecutor. It’s not every day candidates for prosecutor still live in one of the most dangerous parts of Jackson County,” she said. “… Making history is always nice, but what I am most focused on is the results we’re able to garner.”

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