ST. LOUIS–The process of choosing Kim Gardner’s replacement as St. Louis Circuit Attorney enters a new phase Monday afternoon as a noon deadline passed for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s office to receive applications from candidates looking to lead the embattled office.

A spokesperson confirmed the office received 18 applications.

What You Need To Know

  • On May 4, in the face of state legislation that would have authorized the appointment of a special prosecutor for violent crimes, Gardner announced her resignation, effective June 1

  • The quo warranto removal process initiated by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey continues against Gardner, despite her pending resignation

  • Missouri Gov. Mike Parson set a May 15, 2023 12 p.m. deadline for applicants seeking the interim appointment 

  • St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Aldermanic Board President Megan Green have both said they want an interim Circuit Attorney who would not stand for election in 2024

St. Louis Aldermanic Board President Megan Green told Spectrum News Monday that she spoke with Gov. Parson on Tuesday, and said the Governor should select a candidate who was not planning to run for the post in 2024, a sentiment Mayor Tishaura Jones shared in a KMOX radio interview last week.

At least two announced candidates for the 2024 race confirmed to Spectrum News that they were finishing their applications Monday morning.

David Mueller, a former public defender currently in private practice, had already filed Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) paperwork to challenge Gardner in the August 2024 primary. 

“I saw firsthand that the house was on fire and brought my own bucket. I know what needs to be done and I am ready to get started today,” he said Monday.

Michael Gras, the former St. Louis 28t Ward Alderman who was defeated in this spring’s primary, also confirmed he’s finishing his application. He has not yet filed MEC paperwork to run in 2024 but has publicly said he’s eyeing the race. He’s rebranded his campaign Facebook page for it. Gras is an attorney in private practice and has experience as a municipal prosecutor, formerly in Florissant and currently in Maryland Heights.

Patrick Hamacher, a former prosecutor who lost to Gardner in 2016, confirmed to Spectrum News late Monday afternoon that he had submitted an application.

State Sen. Steve Roberts D-St. Louis, a former city prosecutor, told reporters Friday in Jefferson City he would give it serious consideration if approached by Gov. Parson, but did not directly respond to questions asking if he had already applied or planned to do so.

 

The Governor’s office has said it would take applications from candidates with a commitment to the written rule of law, strong managerial experience and a “member of the St. Louis community.” When asked previously if that meant a city resident, a spokesperson said only in the event that the candidate intends to seek election to the office next year.

Monday afternoon, a spokesperson would not say how many of the 18 applications came from city residents, only that he was "looking for the best candidate to fill the position."