Commission Places Kearney in New District

The House Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission finalized the new map by a unanimous vote last week, and under the final map put Kearney in a new district in 2023.

Currently Kearney is in Missouri’s 12th District and represented by Josh Hurlbert of Smithville. Hurlbert was elected to his first term in 2020 and represents areas of Platte and Clay Counties.

The new map moves Hurlbert to the new 8th District where he will represent Clay and Clinton Counties. Residents in Smithville, Gower, Holt, Lathrop, Lawson, Plattsburg, Trimble and surrounding rural areas will be represented in the new 8th District.

In 2023 Kearney will be placed in the new 39th District. The new district will also include parts of Excelsior Springs, Mosby, Missouri City, and surrounding rural areas.

The current incumbent for this area of the state is Doug Richey of the 38th District. Richey was elected to the Missouri House in 2018 and has served two terms. Richey told KPGZ news he plans to run for a third term.

“Under the new House District lines Kearney will be represented by one representative,” said Richey. “I currently represent the southern portion of Kearney and will now, upon re-election, represent the community in total. I do intend to run for a third election this November.”

Richey currently resides in Excelsior Springs with his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters. In addition to his legislative duties, Richey is a pastor, law enforcement chaplain and adjunct professor. He spent eight years in the Missouri Army National Guard as a combat engineer.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story