2002 Jackson County Executive election
The 2002 Jackson County Executive election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic County Executive Katheryn Shields ran for re-election to a third term.
Shields initially faced a challenge in the Democratic primary from State Senator Ronnie DePasco, but he ultimately withdrew from the race. Shields won the primary in a landslide, and faced Republican State Representative Pat Kelley in the general election. She defeated Kelley by a wide margin, becoming the first County Executive to be elected to three terms.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Katheryn Shields, incumbent County Executive
- John Speakman Cowboy, convenience store worker
Withdrawn
- Ronnie DePasco, State Senator
Declined
- Greg Grounds, Mayor of Blue Springs
- Karen Messerli, Mayor of Lee's Summit
- Pat McInerney, former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Republican primary
Candidates
- Pat Kelley, State Representative