Boone County’s First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney has announced her candidacy for Boone County prosecutor.
Melissa “Mel” Buchanan made the announcement Tuesday morning, emphasizing her experience, professionalism and compassion. Prosecutor Buchanan has served as First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney since July and served as a Boone County assistant prosecutor from 2024 to July 2025. She’s also worked as an assistant city counselor for the city of Columbia and has also worked as a public defender. Buchanan earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Current Boone County prosecutor Roger Johnson is running for a judge position. Melissa Buchanan’s campaign kickoff will take place on September 18 at Columbia’s Taphouse.