Two committed community activists have already filed to run for the District 1 seat on the Wichita City Council. The seat is currently occupied by Brandon Johnson, who can not seek reelection due to established term limits.
Most likely hoping to get an early start, both candidates filed well before the June 2 deadline.
LaWanda DeShazer
DeShazer has been active in the community for more than two decades, working to make meaningful changes in Wichita through education, outreach and civic engagement.
She’s been active with youth organizations including youth football and cheerleading and as the leader of the Wichita NAACP youth group. In addition, she currently serves on the District One Advisory Board.
DeShazar most recently served as senior program director for community outreach at the YMCA. Before that, she had a long tenure as Senior Administrative Officer with the Sedgwick County Fire Department.
The recipient of many community awards, she recently founded a nonprofit Communities in Action.
Joseph Shepard
Shepard currently serves as Chief of staff at Lead for America, a nonprofit organization that trains young people to become community leaders. He’s also an instructor at Kansas Leadership Center and uses the KLC principles as well as leadership framework to empower audiences to recognize their leadership skills and use them to drive progress.
His professional experience includes working as a director of multicultural engagement and campus life at Wichita State University. He’s a two-time graduate of Wichita State University, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration.
Shepard has served on the board of directors for the Kansas African American Museum, Interfaith Ministries, and the Women’s Health Network. He also served as president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Beta Lambda Chapter and a current member of the District One Advisory Board.
Other Council Seats Up for Election
District one covers core northeast Wichita and has a history of having African-American representation since the city moved from candidates running across the entire city to running and being elected by districts in the early 80s.
District 3 seat currently held by: Mike Hoheisel and the District 6 seat, currently held by Maggie Ballard, are both up for reelection in November. Both of them are completing their first term and are eligible to run for reelection.
District 3 covers predominantly southeast Wichita and District 6 covers predominantly north central Wichita.
Media is necessary in this day and age.
District 1 is lucky to have 2 great candidates. Districts 6 and 3 are lucky to have two incumbents running who work hard, listen and serve their districts well. I feel I should say good luck to both candidates because they are both well qualified and knowledgeable of how the city works. Congratulations to both for their willingness to serve our City.