MARK GIBSON WITHDRAWING AS CANDIDATE
State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer has announced his candidacy for Platte County Prosecuting Attorney, pledging to continue his record of supporting law enforcement, strengthening public safety, and advancing tough-on-crime criminal justice policies that keep communities safe.
Mark Gibson, the first assistant prosecutor for Eric Zahnd, retiring prosecutor, is withdrawing his candidacy. Gibson had filed in the closing moments of the initial filing period on March 31, after Zahnd had pulled out of the race one minute earlier. That late action by the incumbent Zahnd required the Platte County Board of Elections to reopen filing for the office of prosecutor for a time frame of Tuesday, April 7 through Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m.
A two-term Missouri State Senator representing Buchanan and Platte counties, 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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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,” said Holland. “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.”
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.
“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.”
