Dakota Loomis, a Lawrence defense attorney and the Baldwin City prosecutor, has announced his plans to run as a Democrat for Douglas County district attorney.
Loomis said in a news release Saturday morning that he’d be honored to serve as the next DA.
“My work as a prosecutor and defense attorney has allowed me to personally witness the tragic impact acts of violence have on individuals, families, and our community,” he said in the release.
“I am committed to making a positive difference in our community by leveraging my professional experience, local connections, and belief in justice to better the lives of all Douglas County citizens. Working together we can build a safer, stronger, and more equitable justice system with respect for all.”
Incumbent DA Suzanne Valdez and Tonda Hill, currently a prosecutor in Wyandotte County, have also filed to run for the seat. The three — and anyone else who might file for the seat before the deadline of noon Monday, June 3 — will face off in the Democratic primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 6. No Republicans had filed for the seat as of Saturday.
Loomis, 43, a lifelong Lawrencian and Democrat, got his law degree at New York University School of Law, according to his website. In addition to defending cases in Douglas County and across the state, he is city attorney for Baldwin City and Quenemo.
“Loomis strongly supports restorative justice programs that repair the harm caused by criminal acts while focusing on rehabilitation over retribution,” according to the release.
As DA, Loomis would expand programs that promote rehabilitation, service provision “and alternative sentencing options that hold people accountable for their actions while also addressing the root causes of criminal choices,” according to the release.
Loomis is the defense attorney for the drug court program, “working collaboratively with team members from across the criminal justice system to provide structure and accountability for individuals who have committed crimes connected to substance abuse,” according to the release.
“Expanding alternative justice programs will build a stronger, healthier community that empowers people to be welcomed back into our community through hard work and empathy,” he said in the release.
Loomis lives in Lawrence with his wife and “two strong-willed daughters,” according to the release. He serves on the Friends of the Spencer Museum Board and the Free State Brewery board, was president of the Douglas County Bar Association, and served six years on the board of the Lawrence Humane Society.
The announcement comes days after a panel of attorneys released their final report on Valdez’s long-pending disciplinary matter. The panel is recommending she face a public censure for comments she made about the county’s chief judge, but the Kansas Supreme Court will make the final decision in the case. (Read more about that at this link.)
Key election dates
Douglas County voters can take care of their voter registration, updates and ballot requests at ksvotes.org.
• Deadline to file to run for office: noon Monday, June 3. Click here for more information.
• To change your party affiliation to vote in the Aug. 6, 2024 primary election: noon Monday, June 3
• To register, or update your registration, to vote on Aug. 6: Tuesday, July 16
• To request an advance voting mail ballot for the Aug. 6 primary: Tuesday, July 30
More election info: LawrenceKSTimes.com/Election2024
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