St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner Resigns

Embattled St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced Thursday that she will resign amid calls from Republican leaders for her ouster.

In a letter to Gov. Mike Parson released by Gardner’s office, she said she will step aside effective June 1.

Gardner is the city’s first Black prosecutor and a Democrat.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey took legal steps to remove her from office in February, alleging negligence.

Gov. Mike Parson released a statement on Kim Gardner’s resignation:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement upon receiving St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s resignation letter:

“Our office has officially been notified of the resignation of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, effective June 1, 2023.

We fully understand the gravity of this situation and approach our duty to appoint a replacement with the utmost seriousness. We will immediately start the replacement process according to the Missouri Constitution and Section 105.050, RSMo.

We are committed to finding a candidate who represents the community, values public safety, and can help restore faith in the City’s criminal justice system.”