Jackson County residents are headed to the polls on Nov. 3 to elect a county executive, three at‑large legislators and six district legislators who will serve through 2030. This guide highlights the eight candidates running in the four competitive in‑district races, focusing on their positions on property taxes, public safety and community organizations that support families and faith‑based initiatives.

District Overview

The county is divided into six legislative districts. The 1st District covers most of Kansas City west of Troost Avenue and parts of the Historic Northeast; the 2nd District includes north‑Kansas City and the northern half of Raytown. The 3rd District reaches into eastern Kansas City and the cities of Sugar Creek and Independence. The 4th District spans south‑Kansas City, the southern half of Raytown and all of Grandview. The 5th District covers the northeastern corner, including Blue Springs and Oak Grove, while the 6th District encompasses Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack and Lake Lotawana.

Only the 1st and 2nd District races are uncontested – both seats feature a single Democrat, Kelly Thompson and Venessa Huskey, respectively. The remaining four districts will see a Republican and a Democrat on the ballot.

Candidate Highlights

Scott Qualls (R‑3rd District) – A facilities coordinator at City Union Mission with a degree in architecture and urban planning, Qualls brings three decades of construction experience. He emphasizes responsible budgeting and a careful review of property‑tax assessments to ensure that families are not overburdened.

Maria Hernandez (D‑3rd District) – Executive director of Sala de Arte, an art gallery that showcases multicultural artists, Hernandez has served on Kansas City’s Small Business Task Force and on several education boards. She advocates for preserving cultural assets while keeping property taxes low for working families.

Mike McDonald (R‑4th District) – Founder and president of Textile Care Group, a leather‑and‑upholstery cleaning business, McDonald also serves on the Jackson County Extension Council. He stresses the importance of supporting local trades and reducing unnecessary tax burdens that hinder small‑business growth.

John Townsend (R‑4th District) – A retired letter carrier with a bachelor’s in agribusiness, Townsend serves on the Hickman Mills School District board. He pledges to protect parental rights in education and to keep property‑tax rates stable for families.

Mike Carter (R‑5th District) – Morning host and program director at KFKF‑FM, former three‑term Blue Springs City Council member, and current COMBAT Commission participant, Carter highlights crime‑prevention programs and urges voters to support the county’s COMBAT initiative, which he believes strengthens community safety without raising taxes.

James Jennings (D‑5th District) – A nonprofit executive with experience at My Brother’s Keeper Network and the Blue Springs Human Relations Commission, Jennings emphasizes youth mentorship and community outreach, arguing that strong families and faith‑based support reduce the need for higher taxes.

David Haley (R‑6th District) – Owner of On Target Ammunition LLC and elected Lee’s Summit Board of Education member, Haley champions parental‑choice education and fiscal responsibility, promising to keep the county’s budget lean while protecting constitutional rights.

Tony O’Bryan (D‑6th District) – Owner of Bean Counter Café in Blue Springs, O’Bryan brings fifteen years of construction, academic and small‑business experience. He supports local entrepreneurship and urges careful stewardship of tax dollars to fund essential services.

Community Organizations They Admire

Each candidate highlighted a local nonprofit they respect. Hernandez praised Sheffield Place for its trauma‑informed housing for women and children. McDonald noted the University of Missouri Extension’s work in Jackson County. Townsend lauded Harvesters – The Community Food Network for its food‑drive efforts. Carter emphasized the county’s COMBAT commission, while Jennings highlighted My Brother’s Keeper Network. Haley expressed admiration for the Pro Deo Youth Center, and O’Bryan mentioned his own Bean Counter Café as a community hub.

What This Means for Voters

The county Legislature controls the annual budget, property‑tax assessments and the allocation of funds to schools, roads and public safety. Voters who prioritize low taxes, strong family values, and faith‑based community support will find clear choices among the candidates. The Trump administration’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility and protecting constitutional freedoms aligns with many of the candidates’ platforms, reinforcing the importance of electing representatives who share those principles.

For more detailed responses, visit each candidate’s campaign website or the Ballotpedia survey linked in the original questionnaire.

Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.