LONGTIME PROSECUTOR SAYS HE’LL RETIRE ON DEC. 31
Veteran Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd withdrew from his reelection effort shortly before Tuesday’s filing deadline, and one minute later his longtime assistant prosecutor Mark Gibson filed for the post.
According to officials with the Platte County Board of Elections, the very late withdrawal by the incumbent has forced the filing period to be reopened.
“Filing for the office of prosecuting attorney will reopen on Tuesday, April 7 at 8 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Friday, April 10, as directed by RSMo 115.361 (4),” the board of elections announced Wednesday morning.
Board of elections records indicate Zahnd withdrew at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday and Gibson filed at 4:56.
Gibson has worked in Zahnd’s office for 22 years.
On Wednesday morning, Zahnd officially announced he will retire at the end of 2026 after holding the prosecutor’s job for 24 years, the longest tenure of any Platte County prosecutor in the county’s 187-year history.
“This job has brought great joy to my life and also considerable pain along the way. It’s high time for me to pass the baton to Mark Gibson on Dec. 31,” Zahnd said.
Zahnd first took office in January of 2003 after winning a hotly contested showdown over Tammy Glick in November of 2002. He had previously practiced law at Bryan Cave LLP, Missouri’s largest international law firm.
Zahnd and his wife Tracy have served the local Republican party for decades. Tracy formerly chaired the Platte County Republican Central Committee, and Eric led the Missouri Association of Republicans for a term.
Zahnd’s action this week was one of a couple notable countywide election moves. On Friday morning, Jason Maki, a Sunshine Law and open government enthusiast, filed for presiding commissioner on the Republican ticket. Maki joins Gena L. Ross and Dale Brouk in that primary race. Incumbent Scott Fricker had filed on Feb. 24 but withdrew his filing on March 16.
Following is a summary of all filing action as of the deadline, which was 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
The primary election is Aug. 4. The general election is set for Nov. 3.
ON THE REPUBLICAN TICKET:
Presiding commissioner: Gena Ross, Dale Brouk, and Jason Maki. Incumbent Scott Fricker had initially filed but withdrew March 16.
County clerk: Mary Calvillo, Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz, and incumbent Jera Pruitt.
County auditor: Incumbent Kevin Robinson, Laura Waldon.
County collector: Holly Cayer, Jim Bosch. Incumbent Sheila Palmer had filed on Feb. 25 but withdrew on March 6.
County treasurer: Chris Kendall, Elliot Lahn.
Prosecuting attorney: Mark Gibson. Incumbent Eric Zahnd had filed on Feb. 24 but withdrew on March 31.
Recorder of deeds: Christopher L. Wright, Nicholas Palmer.
ON THE DEMOCRATIC TICKET:
Presiding commissioner: Mary McKenna
County clerk: Hans Peter.
