Overview

• LeVota will serve through December 2026, completing the remainder of the term before the November 2026 election for a full-term executive.
• The final vote was 5–4, with Dan Tarwater receiving four votes after legislators screened a narrowed pool of applicants.
• Former Kansas City mayor Kay Barnes had served as temporary county executive during the charter’s 30-day window for an interim appointment.
• Lawmakers interviewed finalists in public and required background checks as part of rules intended to bolster transparency and trust.
• LeVota said property assessment relief is a priority and indicated he will review county leadership, including the assessments office.