By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

The already-crowded 2019 Kansas City, Missouri Mayoral race has attracted even more name recognition with the inclusions of 3rd District Councilman Quinton Lucas and former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander.

The Lucas campaign – which officially kicked off with a community celebration on Saturday, June 23 – had been widely expected for months. The bombshell inclusion of Kander, however – who owns a strong social media presence (more than 317,000 Twitter followers); hosts a popular podcast (Majority 54); and runs a nonprofit voting rights organization (Let America Vote) – could create national intrigue in a race already filled with local challengers.

“I’m eager to take the reins on major issues that have developed in recent years – like building the new airport, implementing the infrastructure improvements voters approved through the GO Bonds, and expanding the streetcar,” Kander wrote in a June 25 press release announcing his intent to run. “And I want to make sure we continue addressing critical issues like economic inequality, crime, inclusive housing and economic development, and access to a quality education for every child in the city.”

It’s unclear how much ripple effect the latest announcements will have on the previously-announced candidates, though Lucas acknowledged in a conversation with the Northeast News on Monday, June 25 that he re-considered his own candidacy as recently as last week, following a conversation with Kander. Ultimately, he decided to enter the race.

“The reason I did is because these policy issues are important,” Lucas said. “They need to be aired and discussed.”

Lucas is a graduate of Barstow High School who went on to attend law school at Cornell University. Since then, he returned to Kansas City to practice law, teach at the University of Kansas, and serve as a City Council representative for Kansas City’s 3rd District.

“I ask over the next year of this campaign for you to stand with me, work with me, pray for me and struggle with me, so we can make positive change for our community and a better Kansas City for all,” Lucas said in a kickoff campaign video.

Lucas cited his work to create more quality affordable housing, his dual focuses on job growth and government accountability, and a commitment to increased public safety in his campaign announcement.

“Some run to be something; I am running to do something. In the same I way have worked hard each day to build a brighter future for Kansas City, I will ensure we have continued growth and progress,” Lucas said in his campaign announcement. “I will make sure that all Kansas City neighborhoods yield the benefits of our city’s strength. That means increasing affordable housing options, improving public safety, and ensuring continual transparency and accountability from our city’s government.”

If elected mayor of Kansas City, Lucas said that he will continue to support policies to help the Historic Northeast community prosper.

“This part of the city is one of the most important parts of the city,” Lucas said. “It continues to be affordable. It’s a part of the city that actually offers housing opportunities to families.”

Lucas further noted that Northeast residents can expect to see a lot of him in the coming months.

“I plan to campaign very hard in the Northeast,” he said. “That’s a community that is very important to me. I think the Northeast is in many ways the future of Kansas City, not just the past.”

Lucas has now officially joined Council colleagues Jermaine Reed, Scott Taylor, Scott Wagner and Alissia Canady in the 2019 mayoral race. Candidates from outside of City Hall include business owner Phil Glynn, lawyer Steve Miller and businesswoman Rita Berry. Fourth District Councilwoman Jolie Justus officially announced that she will not run for mayor in a June 25 Facebook post, withdrawing her candidacy and endorsing Kander. Instead, Justus said that she will run for re-election for her 4th District seat in 2019.

“I’m choosing to run for re-election and work together with Jason Kander to build on the success we’ve enjoyed under Mayor James and tackle the challenges that still remain,” Justus wrote. “I’ve known Jason for a long time and we share a common vision for the future of our city. I look forward to the future we create together.”

Justus wasn’t the only local politician to throw her support behind Kander. When Kander issued the press release that officially announced his candidacy, it was accompanied by endorsements from fellow KCMO Council members Kevin McManus and Teresa Loar, former KCMO Mayor Kay Barnes, Missouri State House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, former 5th District KCMO Councilwoman Cindy Circo, and 11th District Missouri State Senator John Rizzo, who represents the Historic Northeast.

“He’s the best person to tackle the major issues facing our city, but he also digs in on the details,” said Rizzo in his endorsement. “Jason will be a great mayor and will make an outstanding ambassador for Kansas City. I look forward to campaigning with him.”

Lucas was complimentary of Justus, suggesting that the mayor’s race will lose something with her stepping away.

“I think it’s actually regrettable that Jolie is leaving the race,” Lucas said. “I think this is a voice that we may not see replaced. I think the field is weaker without her.”

Lucas then turned his attention to Kander.

“I like Jason, I respect Jason, I think he is a wonderful advocate for a number of different issues,” Lucas said. “I think the public is going to want to know more about what is his commitment to Kansas City moving forward.”

To Lucas, the 2019 mayoral race needs to stay focused on the issues that are important to rank and file Kansas City voters.

“I think it is imperative that we have a conversation about those issues in a realistic way, and as I said before, that this isn’t a coronation,” Lucas said, referring to Kander.

Fellow mayoral candidate Scott Wagner, presently a 1st District Councilman, relayed a similar message when reached for comment on the morning of June 25, suggesting that knowledge of city operations needs to be a deciding factor for Kansas City voters.

“I still look at myself as the most knowledgeable about city operations,” Wagner said. “None of that changed between Friday and today.”

Wagner also touched on Kander’s entrance into the race, saying that he appreciated the call he received from the former Missouri Secretary of State about his intentions.

“To Mr. Kander’s credit, I’ve had people who I’ve known were running for mayor spend an hour with me and never tell me they were running for mayor,” Wagner said. “I’ll at least accept a phone call. Phone calls from other candidates should never dissuade you from running if you believe in why you’re running.”

Lucas also alluded to his high-profile competition in the mayoral race during his campaign kickoff event.

“I don’t have a lot of followers on Twitter. I haven’t had a photo shoot or a party lately. I don’t know how to do a podcast,” Lucas said in prepared remarks. “I’m not famous or wealthy, but what I am is a child of this community. I’m someone who recognizes why City Hall matters to each and every one of us.”

Sixth District Councilman and mayoral candidate Scott Taylor declined to comment on the latest shake-ups to the 2019 mayor’s race, suggesting that he is currently focusing his efforts on passing legislation at City Hall.