John DeFoor has announced the official “re-launch” of his campaign as a Democratic candidate for Platte County presiding commissioner.
According to a campaign press release, in September, just as he launched his campaign, DeFoor was diagnosed with COVID-19. He says the illness proved to be nearly fatal, despite being vaccinated. He was ultimately intubated and placed on a ventilator as things took a serious turn for the worse.
According to the press release, DeFoor’s campaign staff and family set a deadline to decide whether or not to call the campaign off for good. As that deadline loomed, DeFoor’s condition improved significantly. Doctors credit the vaccine for saving his life, according to the release.
DeFoor continues to fight to make a full recovery, according to the press release. One major motivator is the November 2022 Platte County presiding commissioner election. He says he has emerged from this experience with renewed clarity and determination. He said he still intends to run for and win the seat.
DeFoor is committed to bringing integrity, transparency and fiscal responsibility to the office of presiding commissioner so that all constituents are meaningfully represented. DeFoor said he believes Platte County, the fastest growing county in the state of Missouri by percentage, is becoming increasingly competitive for Democrats. He said the narrative of Platte being staunchly conservative is changing and that he feels Platte County is ready for a new kind of candidate.
John DeFoor has a bachelor’s degree in social psychology with a minor in business administration management and before his COVID diagnosis was actively working on a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in public policy from Park University. He plans to return to and complete the program with his recovery.
He has been an active union member for the past 17 years with his current membership in Smart-TD Local 5. DeFoor has been a business owner and previously worked for the City of Kansas City as a dangerous building inspector. DeFoor is an active voice in local politics, sitting on the board of several organizations and informing his community of issues in Platte County, Kansas City and the State of Missouri.
He and his wife, Rori, have been residents of Platte County for the past 12 years. They have been married for 12 years and have two children.
The primary election for presiding commissioner candidates is Aug. 2, 2022 and the general election will be held Nov. 8, 2022.
Current presiding commissioner Ron Schieber has announced he will not run for re-election.
Republican Scott Fricker has also filed to run for presiding commissioner.