KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Eric Zahnd, the longest-serving prosecutor in Platte County history, withdrew from the August primary election minutes before the filing deadline on Tuesday.
His first assistant prosecuting attorney, Mark Gibson, filed for the office moments later, according to the Platte County Election Board website.
Zahnd discussed his decision during a press conference Wednesday morning.
“April 1 is a happy day, but Mark and I assure you this is no joke,” Zahnd said. “Serving the people as their prosecutor has been my great privilege and solemn responsibility for more than two decades. This job has brought great joy to my life and also considerable pain along the way.”
Voters elected Zahnd in 2002.
He was named Missouri’s Prosecutor of the Year in 2014 for his efforts to establish best practices for Missouri prosecutors.
Zahnd is one of only two Missouri prosecutors selected in the inaugural class of “Super Lawyers,” an honor given to the top attorneys in Missouri and Kansas.
He graduated with honors from William Jewell College and Duke University School of Law.
Gibson, who is running unopposed, will be sworn in on Dec. 31.
He said Wednesday that he is proud to have been part of Zahnd's history but is looking forward to his future in the role.
"Now, I'm eager to step into an even bigger leadership role to ensure this office continues to protect families, children, businesses, schools and workers," Gibson said.
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