Eric DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City police officer convicted for killing a Black man, publicly endorsed Nathan Willett, a Republican candidate for Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, at a GOP fundraiser. DeValkenaere was convicted for the 2019 fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, a 26-year-old Black man, while he was backing his truck into his garage. Former Governor Mike Parson commuted DeValkenaere's sentence in 2024, but the conviction remains. Willett's embrace of DeValkenaere is controversial and is expected to anger police accountability advocates, as it symbolizes a shift towards supporting law enforcement in a politically charged environment. Willett has stated that DeValkenaere and his wife are friends and have contributed positively to the community. Critics, including former prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, argue that Willett is misinformed about the case and its implications. The endorsement highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding police accountability in Kansas City, particularly given the city's lack of control over its police force. Willett's campaign is characterized by a focus on law enforcement support, which could resonate with right-wing voters in the upcoming primary.