Independence, lee's summit voters elect new mayors for first time in 27 years

In a significant shift for eastern Jackson County, voters in Independence and Lee’s Summit chose new mayors on Tuesday, marking the first time in 27 years that both cities have elected new leaders simultaneously.

Leadership and economy top concerns

Voters prioritized leadership and economic growth as they cast their ballots. In Independence, the city's approval of a contentious hyperscale AI data center loomed large in voters' minds, yet many emphasized the importance of strong leadership over the project's details.