Kansas City, MO, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Phil LeVota has been selected as the interim Jackson County executive after a narrow vote by the Jackson County Legislature. This decision, following the removal of former executive Frank White, was made during a public hearing where candidates were thoroughly evaluated. LeVota will serve until January 2027 and has pledged not to run for a full term. His administration aims to focus on property tax reforms and engage with local sports teams to enhance community benefits.
Kansas City, MO – Phil LeVota has been appointed as the interim Jackson County executive by the Jackson County Legislature, following a narrow 5-4 vote. This decision came after a public hearing in which lawmakers interviewed nine candidates, indicating the legislature’s deliberation process was comprehensive and thorough.
LeVota, a Kansas City-based attorney and former chair of the Jackson County Democratic Party, steps into this role after the recent recall of former County Executive Frank White, who was removed from office on September 30, 2025. White’s removal was largely attributed to dissatisfaction concerning his handling of property tax assessments, which had stirred public outcry. LeVota’s official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
LeVota will serve as the interim county executive until January 1, 2027. Importantly, he has committed to not running for a full four-year term in the upcoming November 2026 election, aiming to reassure constituents of his temporary focus.
The vote for LeVota’s appointment saw support from Legislators Sean Smith, DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Venessa Huskey, and Manny Abarca IV. On the opposing side were Megan Smith, Jalen Anderson, Jeanie Lauer, and Charlie Franklin, who favored candidate Dan Tarwater III.
Notably, LeVota plans to establish a bipartisan cabinet and has identified potential chief of staff Theresa Garza, a former Jackson County legislator and current Raytown alderwoman. During the selection process, he prioritized collaboration and the restoration of public trust in government, acknowledging the close vote and expressing intentions to engage with legislators who opposed his appointment.
LeVota’s administration will focus on several critical priorities, including reforming the property tax assessment process, enhancing county services, and initiating meaningful discussions with local sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals about community benefits and funding opportunities.
His past experience includes serving as an assistant Jackson County prosecutor from 1996 to 2006, which underlines his familiarity with county matters. His focus on tackling recent property tax assessment concerns, which were key issues leading to public dissent, highlights his commitment to addressing the needs and worries of the community.
Kay Barnes, the temporary County Executive prior to LeVota, expressed optimism regarding the leadership transition and the selection process. The Jackson County Legislature initially interviewed thirteen applicants before narrowing the field to nine candidates, ensuring a robust selection of qualified individuals.
Legislators asked uniform questions to all candidates, centering on their leadership styles and their commitment to not seek the position in the next election. LeVota reaffirmed his commitment to cross-party collaboration, stating his objective to recruit both Republicans and Democrats for his administration.
Following the vote, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his support for LeVota, emphasizing the critical period for Jackson County taxpayers and hinting at future collaborative opportunities between the county government and the mayor’s office.
With LeVota’s appointment, Jackson County is poised for a new direction as he takes on the challenges ahead while assuring his administration will focus on collaboration and community engagement.
FAQs
Who appointed Phil LeVota as the interim Jackson County executive?
Phil LeVota has been appointed as the interim Jackson County executive by the Jackson County Legislature.
What was the vote count for LeVota’s appointment?
The vote was 5-4 in favor of LeVota, after a public hearing where lawmakers interviewed nine candidates.
When is LeVota’s official swearing-in scheduled?
LeVota’s official swearing-in is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
How long will LeVota serve as the interim county executive?
He will serve as interim county executive until January 1, 2027.
Will LeVota run for a full term in the upcoming election?
LeVota has committed to not running for a full four-year term in the upcoming November 2026 election.
What are LeVota’s main priorities?
LeVota’s main priorities include reforming the property tax assessment process, improving county services, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with Kansas City sports teams regarding community benefits and funding.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment Date | Scheduled for Thursday afternoon |
| Term Length | Until January 1, 2027 |
| Vote Count | 5-4 in favor |
| Main Priorities | Property tax reform, service improvement, sports team engagement |
| Former Executive | Frank White, removed on September 30, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Jackson County Legislature Appoints Interim County Executive
- KSHB: Jackson County Legislators Name Phil LeVota as Interim County Executive
- Fox4KC: Jackson County Legislature Appoints Interim County Executive
- Wikipedia: Jackson County, Missouri
- KMBC: Jackson County Appoints Phil LeVota Interim Executive
- Google Search: Jackson County Executive Interim Phil LeVota
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
