Platte County Prosecutor Withdraws from Election

Eric Zahnd steps down as Mark Gibson files for the position.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:24am

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Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, who has held the position since 2002, has withdrawn his name from this year's election just minutes before the deadline. Shortly after Zahnd's withdrawal, his assistant prosecutor Mark Gibson filed for the position, making him the county's first assistant prosecuting attorney to run for the top job.

Why it matters

Zahnd's withdrawal marks the end of an era, as he has been the longest-serving prosecutor in Platte County history. His decision opens the door for a new generation of leadership in the county's prosecuting attorney's office.

The details

Zahnd, who has been in office since 2002, withdrew his name from the election just before the filing deadline. Shortly after, his assistant prosecutor Mark Gibson filed for the position, making him the county's first assistant prosecuting attorney to run for the top job.

  • Zahnd withdrew his name from the election just minutes before the filing deadline.
  • Gibson filed for the position shortly after Zahnd's withdrawal.

The players

Eric Zahnd

The outgoing Platte County Prosecutor who has held the position since 2002, making him the longest-serving prosecutor in the county's history.

Mark Gibson

The assistant prosecutor in Platte County who has filed for the position of county prosecutor, becoming the first assistant to run for the top job.

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The takeaway

Zahnd's withdrawal marks the end of an era in Platte County politics, as the county prepares to welcome a new generation of leadership in the prosecuting attorney's office.