Aonya Kendrick Barnett is a community organizer, nonprofit founder, and Democratic candidate for Kansas House District 85. With expertise in substance use prevention, coalition building, and harm reduction, she is the founding Executive Director of Safe Streets Wichita, Inc. Aonya has served as the Program Director for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant and is the Vice-chair of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Prevention Subcommittee.
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Her lived experience with the overdose crisis informs her work advocating for health equity, mental health, and reproductive healthcare. A graduate of Wichita State University, she is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for office because I believe our community deserves a representative who truly understands the challenges we face, especially in health disparities, mental health, and substance use prevention.
As someone with lived experience and a background in community organizing, I’ve seen firsthand how policies impact everyday lives.
I’m running to amplify the voices of those often left unheard, to fight for equitable access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and to bring real solutions to issues that affect marginalized communities. I want to ensure that everyone in District 85 has the opportunity to thrive.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues affecting your district that you would hope to be able to impact?
The most pressing issues affecting District 85 are Medicaid expansion, fully funding public schools, access to behavioral health supports, and protecting reproductive rights.
Two years ago, District 85 voted no to an abortion ban, making it clear that our community supports the right to choose. Expanding Medicaid would improve access to reproductive healthcare and mental health services, which are critical for families and vunerable populations.
Fully funding public schools is essential for preparing our children and supporting workforce development, which drives economic growth. By addressing these issues, we can strengthen our economy while ensuring everyone has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.
Would you support Medicaid Expansion or any form of legalization of cannabis.? If you support legalization of cannabis, what are some things you believe would be important to include in the legislation?
Yes, I strongly support both Medicaid Expansion and the legalization of cannabis in Kansas.
Expanding Medicaid would provide healthcare to thousands of Kansans who currently lack access, improve health outcomes, and stimulate the economy by creating jobs and reducing healthcare costs.
Legalizing cannabis is another step toward economic growth and criminal justice reform. However, any legalization must include provisions for social equity, ensuring that communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis laws benefit from the new industry.
This includes expunging prior convictions for non-violent cannabis offenses and providing resources for minority-owned businesses to thrive in the cannabis market. Additionally, public health measures such as education on responsible use and proper regulation to ensure product safety should be key components of the legislation.
These reforms would not only boost the economy but also promote fairness and health equity across the state.
How do you plan to listen to and communicate with your constituents?
I plan to stay deeply connected with my constituents by hosting regular town halls, community meetings, and listening sessions, both in person and virtually. I will maintain an open-door policy, ensuring that residents can easily reach me through phone, email, and social media.
Additionally, I will create a newsletter to keep the community informed on key issues and legislative updates. By fostering open communication and creating spaces for dialogue, I’ll ensure that I am accessible and responsive to the needs of the people I represent in District 85.