ST. LOUIS–Here’s a look at what we know about the process to find a new St. Louis Circuit Attorney and other issues surrounding the office following Thursday’s announcement that Kim Gardner will resign, effective June 1.

A spokesperson for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told Spectrum News that as of Friday morning, no candidates had been interviewed for the post, calling reports circulating that named at least two potential options as “hearsay”.

The Governor’s office also said Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office is not involved in the vetting process for potential candidates.

Gardner announced her resignation in the face of intense legislative pressure in Jefferson City as lawmakers have moved forward with bills that would allow the Governor to name a special prosecutor to handle cases involving violent crime. Her resignation appears to have been part of an agreement with Senate leadership to drop consideration of the measure, which had already passed the House. The legislative session ends next Friday.

Gardner herself did not talk to the news media Friday. A staffer had suggested that she would answer questions Friday morning, but she instead spoke with supporters at a meeting that was not open to the news media. 

Bailey on Thursday was critical of Gardner’s departure date, saying he would continue to pursue the quo warranto process to have her removed. That proceeding is set for a September trial but depositions, including one with the St. Louis Comptroller’s office, are scheduled for next week. Bailey also wants state lawmakers to move on legislation that would bar someone removed via quo warranto from seeking the office again.

A source said Gardner chose the date to ensure a smooth transition.

St. Louis Aldermanic Board President Megan Green, who had been openly critical of Gardner’s handling of the office in recent months, had resisted joining calls for her resignation, out of concern that Gardner, the city’s first Black female Circuit Attorney, would be replaced by an appointee from a Republican Governor. 

Green said Friday she was encouraged by outreach from the Governor’s office.

Patrick Hamacher, a former assistant circuit attorney who Gardner defeated in 2016, confirmed that he’d be willing to return to the department as some part of a larger surge of attorneys to stabilize the office, which has seen scores of attorneys leave during Gardner’s tenure.

Jerryl Christmas, another former assistant circuit attorney who twice ran for Circuit Attorney before Gardner, said he would be willing to do the same.

What’s next in Jefferson City?

Lawmakers Friday were focused on getting final approval of a state budget by a 6 p.m. constitutional deadline but members in both GOP-controlled chambers, including House Speaker Dean Plocher, still want the Senate to move forward with the special prosecutor legislation as part of House Bill 301, a broad public safety bill that in the Senate also includes putting the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under control of a state-appointed commission. 

St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, who until last month represented Old North St. Louis as a State Representative, was hopeful that his former colleagues would stay away from bills targeting St. Louis control now that Gardner was not a factor with the Circuit Attorney's office. 

It’s unclear what lengths supporters of HB 301 are willing to go with just five working days of the legislative session left after Friday. Several GOP other priorities remain unfinished in one or both chambers, including initiative petition reform, open enrollment education reform, and foreign ownership of Missouri farmland.

Gov. Parson has already told lawmakers to expect an immediate special session call if they fail to act on legislation banning gender transition medical care for minors, and a bill to ensure biological males cannot participate in female sports, by next Friday’s deadline.