JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. — Kansas City, Kan. native Kelly Thompson is running unopposed for Jackson County 1st District Legislator — a position, which Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV has occupied since 2023.
While candidate filing for Jackson County Legislator roles were set to close on March 31, this period for Jackson County 3rd District At-Large Legislator and Jackson County Legislator 1st District re-opened from May 6 to May 13 due to Jackson County Executive candidate withdraws from Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota and Jackson County 4th District Legislator DaRon McGee. This led Jackson County 1st District Legislator Incumbent Manny Abarca to file for Jackson County Executive.
Thompson (D) launched her digital campaign in November 2025, and with the incumbent candidate ineligible, is the sole candidate for Jackson County 1st District Legislator.
Growing up in Kansas, she attended Sumner Academy of Arts and Science before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in communications from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Thompson spent nearly 10 years in Washington D.C., where she worked as an environmental and energy policy journalist, among other roles, before moving back to Kansas City in 2008.
After earning her Master’s degree from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, she began delving into leadership and collaborating with organizations centered around system building and shared goals — two elements, which are at the forefront of her campaign.
Within her campaign, Thompson shared that she is focused on rebuilding trust in County government through effective governance, thoughtful legislation and stronger public service delivery. Of legislation, one topic, which she believes is paramount is property tax integrity.
“We need property tax integrity; it’s about managing and distributing in partnership with tax levying districts,” Thompson said in an interview. “Right now, there’s a tension with the bodies; it shouldn’t be that way.”
Public education is another focal point Thompson has honed in on — drawing attention toward the County’s role in public school districts, building relationships between not only the school districts but also the City and State.
“I see the County as a real bridge; it’s horrible to see how far down the County has fallen,” she said. “Coalition building starts early; I want to see the City Council collaborate with the County.”
Thompson has received endorsements from a multitude of local union and trades organizations throughout her campaign including the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, who submitted its endorsement on May 12.
“The AFL-CIO represents something I believe in deeply; when people come together across industries, backgrounds and experiences around shared goals, they build real collective power,” Thompson said in a social media post, May 12. “I am grateful for the support of the Greater KC AFL-CIO and proud of the growing coalition of working people standing behind this campaign.”
The deadline to file for Jackson County 1st District Legislator is 5 p.m., on Wednesday, May 13. The primary election for Jackson County Legislator roles will be held on Aug. 4, with the general election to follow on Nov. 3.
Julia Williams — a Kansas City native — is a reporter and digital producer for The Labor Beacon. A University of Missouri School of Journalism alumna, she previously served as the editor-in-chief of The Northeast News before joining The Labor Beacon staff.
Williams’s grandfather was a Claycomo Ford Motor Company retiree and avid UAW Local 249 supporter, allowing her to understand the union difference from a young age.
In her free time, Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see her friends and hanging out at home with her cat, Greta. She loves a good cup of coffee, seeing local, live music and shopping secondhand. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to bring her knowledge of journalistic integrity to the Kansas City union community — giving union and labor workers a voice, while holding people in powerful positions accountable.
