Missouri Candidates File for Key Races

0:00It's March 31st, Kansas News Today starts now, AI powered and ready, I'm Cory with a story. Missouri candidates are up against the tight deadline today at 5 p.m. to file for key races, including congressional seats and local offices. With incumbent Sam Gray's retiring from District 6, the field's heating up fast as folks lock in their bids, Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett jumped in for that District 6 spot without a big announcement yet, but he's set to hit a news conference later. Today, over in District 4, Mark Alfred filed to hold his seat, and District 5's Emanuel Cleaver is back in the mix for re-election. Kansas City Mayor Quentin Lucas just nixed any congressional run, saying he'll pour his energy into his final year and a half, leading the city. That shifts focus back to city hall priorities amid all this election buzz. In the Jackson County executive race, Lee's summit mayor Bill Baird filed alongside at least four others, making it a Crowder primary fight. Meanwhile, neighbors and Kansas get more breathing room with their deadline on June 1st.

1:03As filings wrap up in Missouri, keep an eye on these races. They're shaping up to deliver some real competition down the ballot this cycle.