08.04.25 County Executive statement on Court’s recall election ruling

August 4, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding the Court’s ruling on the recall election:

“I want to thank the Court for its time, attention and thoughtful consideration of this complex and unprecedented matter. The legal issues at stake involve serious conflicts between state laws and constitutional responsibilities, and I appreciate the Court’s effort to address them carefully and fairly. 

“I’m especially grateful that the Court agreed with my office and both bipartisan Boards of Election that the proposed August recall election was unlawful. It would have violated state and federal election laws and disenfranchised military and overseas voters, something no democracy should tolerate. 

“But as a result of this ruling, Jackson County is now being forced into two unscheduled elections just weeks apart: a recall in late September and a proposed change to the selection process of the Assessor in November that won’t take effect for years. Neither was planned, budgeted or funded. Not one dollar has been appropriated to pay for either of them. 

“Let me be clear: I will always follow the law and comply with final court orders once all legal rights have been exercised, all arguments have been heard, and all decisions are final. Many legal issues remain unresolved, and significant rulings and appeals still lie ahead. But if this effort is ultimately allowed to proceed, it will be a $5 million mistake – one I believe Jackson County voters will not forget. I will not stop fighting this reckless misuse of public funds and power. 

“This recall effort isn’t about performance or good government. It’s about one thing – stadium subsidies. A small group is now planning yet another unnecessary, unfunded election next April to revive a stadium deal that voters already rejected. And they want me out because I refuse to go along to get along. I believe the people of Jackson County deserve something real in return for a billion-dollar investment – jobs, community benefits, transparency and respect. 

“Meanwhile, as everyday costs continue to rise for groceries, gas and housing, our local government is being consumed by political retribution and headlines instead of delivering real results for the people we serve. 

“This is a distraction from the work we should be doing. But I won’t be deterred. I was elected to serve the people of Jackson County, and I will continue to stand up for them, no matter how hard others try to silence that work.”