Hailey
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, voters in Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) and Wyandotte County will pick their next Mayor/CEO of the unified government.
The outgoing mayor, Tyrone Garner, is not seeking re-election, opening the field for fresh leadership.
The two finalists in this race are Christal Watson and Rose Mulvany Henry, who emerged from a primary that narrowed a six-person field.
The winner will steer the region through issues including public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and utilities.
Candidates at a glance
- Christal Watson: A KCK native with strong ties to community development and education. She served as executive director for a local school foundation and previously worked in city government focusing on neighbourhood and small-business development.
- Rose Mulvany Henry: A board member of the city’s public utilities entity, with legal and business experience. She emphasises managing complex systems, budget accountability, and economic development.
Key election details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Election date | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
| Office | Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County & KCK |
| Incumbent | Tyrone Garner (not running) |
| Primary date | Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| Candidates in general election | Christal Watson • Rose Mulvany Henry |
| Polling hours (Election Day) | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time |
| Voting options | Vote early in-person, vote by mail/advance, vote on Election Day |
Recent primary results
In the August 5, 2025 primary, six candidates competed for the mayor/CEO role. The top two vote-getters who advanced to the November general election were:
- Rose Mulvany Henry — approx. 3,619 votes (~31 %)
- Christal Watson — approx. 3,031 votes (~26 %)
These two now face off for the full term.
What are voters focusing on?
Taxes & Budgeting
Residents are concerned about how the region will fund essential services without overburdening homeowners and businesses.
Both candidates propose different plans to manage spending while attracting investment.
Public Safety & Neighbourhoods
Safety remains a top priority. The next mayor will need to coordinate with police, community groups and invest in youth and neighbourhood initiatives to ensure that all areas of Wyandotte County feel the benefit.
Utilities & Infrastructure
As utility rates and infrastructure projects come under scrutiny, the role of public-utilities leadership becomes critical.
Mulvany Henry’s background on the utilities board is seen as a strength by supporters; Watson emphasises equitable investment across neighbourhoods.
Economic Development
Job creation, business growth, and balancing growth with affordability are hot topics.
Voters want to see neighbourhood revitalisation, more small-business support, and growth across all of KCK, not just in select zones.
How to cast your vote
- Confirm your polling place or early-voting location ahead of time.
- If voting in person on Election Day: arrive anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Early voting and vote by mail options are available — check with the election office for details.
- Bring required ID and ensure your registration is up to date.
Why this election matters
This is a turning point for the KCK region. With the mayor/CEO leadership changing, the next administration will set the tone for the next four years — deciding how to balance fiscal responsibility, growth, and community wellbeing.
The choice between Watson and Mulvany Henry is more than just a personal preference; it’s about vision, priorities and how residents want their city and county to evolve.
As Election Day approaches, voters in KCK and Wyandotte County must consider two very different leadership profiles.
Christal Watson brings deep roots in community and education, with a focus on revitalising neighbourhoods and fairly distributing growth.
Rose Mulvany Henry emphasises business acumen, utilities experience and managing complex systems with a view toward economic expansion.
The winner will face immediate challenges—and opportunities—on taxes, public safety, infrastructure and utilities.
On November 4, 2025, voters will decide which path the region takes for its next chapter.