photo by: Contributed

Dakota Loomis

A lawyer who has served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney has announced his candidacy for Douglas County district attorney.

Dakota Loomis on Saturday announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the post currently held by Democrat Suzanne Valdez. Loomis is the second Democrat to challenge Valdez for the seat. Tonda Hill, a Wyandotte County prosecutor who lives in Lawrence, filed to run in January.

Loomis currently is the Baldwin City attorney and the Quenemo city attorney, and he also works as a defense attorney in Douglas County and across the state.

In a news release Saturday, Loomis, a lifelong Douglas County resident, said his candidacy was inspired by a “vision for positive change” and a desire to “restore community safety.”

“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.”

Loomis said he strongly supports restorative justice programs that repair the harm caused by criminal acts while focusing on rehabilitation over retribution. As district attorney, he said he 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.

Loomis serves as the defense attorney for the Douglas County Drug Court program, which involves working with a team to provide structure and accountability for individuals who have committed crimes connected to substance abuse.

“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.

Outside of work, he serves on the Friends of the Spencer Museum Board, the Free State Brewery board, was formerly the president of the Douglas County Bar Association, and recently wrapped up six years of service on the board of the Lawrence Humane Society.

He lives in Lawrence with his wife and two daughters. He is the son of the late Burdett Loomis, a KU professor of political science and well-known personality in the Democratic Party.

The filing deadline for potential candidates is June 3, and the primary election will be on Aug. 6. The general election will take place on Nov. 5.

Valdez defeated longtime Douglas County DA Charles Branson in the 2020 primary and did not face a Republican challenger in the general election that year.