Wichita’s District 1 delivered the most closely watched and politically charged contests of the 2025 local elections—deciding who will represent the city’s historic northeast side on both the City Council and the Wichita school board. With two strong candidates, months of debate driven by a five candidate primary, major endorsements, and lively social engagement, the District 1 City Council race proved to be one of the most contentious in decades.
Shepard Wins District 1 City Council Race
Joseph Shephard won the Wichita City Council District 1 seat with 56% of the vote, defeating long-time community volunteer and advocate LaWanda DeShazer, who received 39%.
Shepard succeeds outgoing Council Member Brandon Johnson, who was term-limited after eight years— but Johnson was far from absent in this race. Johnson’s early endorsement helped define the race, with many voters viewing Shepard as the candidate who would continue Johnson’s approach and political alliances.
DeShazer, endorsed by Kansas Rep. Ford Carr, positioned herself as an experienced community servant prepared to bring “a different approach” to City Hall. The race often reflected the still-lingering tension between Johnson and Carr, whose disagreements earlier in the year escalated into a public altercation in Topeka. For some residents, the Shepard–DeShazer matchup felt like an extension of that divide.
A Race Defined by Endorsements, Alliances, and Controversy
Critics argued that Shepard was too closely aligned with Johnson and would bring “more of the same.” Supporters countered that Johnson’s leadership delivered key investments in District 1, and Shepard’s continuation of that work would bring stability and progress.
Another layer of scrutiny focused on Shepard’s proximity to Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. Shepard endorsed Wu in her 2023 race to unseat incumbent Mayor Brandon Whipple. Some District 1 voters questioned whether Shepard’s support for Wu indicated an ideological or simply a strategic alliance. Others felt his bridge-building approach could help the district navigate City Hall’s changing dynamics.
Shepard also faced a campaign finance controversy after accepting donations above Wichita’s new $500 contribution limit. He refunded all excess funds after watchdog Celeste Racette raised concerns. Shepard said the donations occurred before he was aware the city’s home-rule finance ordinance superseded state law that allowed individuals to donate up to $2,000 to a candidate.
Despite the controversy, Shepard’s fundraising dwarfed his opponents, with his campaign list including a number of the city’s major business owners and developers.
What Shepard Promises to Do Now
Shepard enters office with an ambitious agenda rooted in housing, youth engagement, safety, and transparency.
Governance & Accountability:
“I will improve transparency, accountability, and proactive community engagement,” he said. “Residents should drive priorities—not react to decisions after the fact.”
Affordable Housing:
Shepard says Wichita must expand housing options, especially for renters, seniors, and people with disabilities. He supports workforce housing and increasing access to low-interest capital for minority entrepreneurs interested in developing in the district. He also calls for integrating transitional housing for homeless individuals as they stabilize before moving into long-term housing policy.
Property & Sales Tax Approach:
Shepard supports exploring a city sales-tax proposal—if voters want it—to offset property taxes. “Tourism generates roughly 30% of Wichita’s sales-tax revenue,” he said, arguing that a strategic sales tax could ease the burden on homeowners while funding infrastructure needs.
Youth Policy Engagement:
“Young people must help design the policies that affect their lives,” Shepard said. He supports youth seats on District Advisory Boards, reviving the Youth Advisory Coalition, and creating permanent safe spaces for recreation and innovation.
Addressing Food Deserts:
Shepard says solving food access is tied to population growth. Grocery stores will not invest in areas without enough residents to support them. He sees potential in addressing the issues in mixed-use developments that could include first floor groceries built below multi-level housing projects. nonprofit partnerships, and private-sector collaboration as key.
Public Safety:
Shepard supports community-police partnerships and evaluating tech spending—such as Flock cameras—based on results. He wants intervention programs and health-system partnerships fully integrated into safety strategies.
Homelessness Response:
Shepard speaks candidly about his own experience with homelessness. “I know the reality,” he said at The Voice’s candidate forum. He supports wrap-around case management, expanded sheltering, stronger transit connections, and supports filling funding gaps for ICT-1, a joint police–mental health–medical team that responds to mental health crises across Wichita. He also supports integrating transitional housing for homeless individuals as part of the support they stabilize before moving into long-term housing policy.
Shepard’s election marks a generational shift for District 1. Now the real test begins: turning campaign commitments into policy action that resonates with the community that elected him.
Diane Albert Holds the School Board District 1 Seat
In the USD 259 School Board District 1 race, incumbent Diane Albert won with 57% of the vote, defeating challenger Mackenzi Truelove, who received 43%.
Albert was part of a four-member conservative-leaning slate in 2021 that, if all four had won, would have gained control of the seven-member school board. The group fell one seat short of their goal, when they won just three of the four seats. All of them were up for reelection this year, and Albert was the only one of the slate that retained her seat. Hazel Stabler and Kathy Bond lost their reelection bids. Meanwhile, Julie Hedrick, whose 2021 victory prevented a conservative takeover, won reelection with 57% of the vote in her race.
Albert, who hadn’t campaigned heavily in Northeast Wichita during her first fun, received an initially cool reception from Wichita’s African-American community. However, during her first term, she worked intentionally to build stronger community relationships, which possibly reflected in her 14 point win. She currently serves as board president and has engaged with organizations like the NAACP, neighborhood associations, and educators throughout the district.
Where Albert Stands on Key Issues
Student Achievement & Board Focus:
Albert wants the board focused squarely on academics, not facilities. “My focus has been elevating student achievement and making district operations more efficient,” she said.
Next School Bond:
Albert supports bringing back a bond proposal—mill-levy neutral—and believes last year’s failure stemmed from confusion about what bond dollars can legally fund.
Cell Phone Policy:
Albert supports strict bell-to-bell no-phone policies in elementary and middle schools, with structured limitations in high schools and stronger enforcement across campuses.
DOJ Settlement & Discipline:
USD 259 is under federal oversight for discriminatory discipline practices. Albert supports methodical, building-level implementation to ensure fairness.
DEI Cuts:
Even amid national pushback, Albert says the district must support every student. “Education is about unlocking potential,” she said. “That commitment doesn’t change because of political debate.”
Other Wichita Races
- District 3 City Council: Incumbent Mike Hoheisel won with 60% of the vote over Genevieve Howerton (40%). If you live in Southeast Wichita, you’re probably represented by Hoheisel. Reach out and connect if you need anything, he’s proven himself supportive of all members of his heavily minority district.
- District 6 City Council: Incumbent Maggie Ballard won with 61% over Brett Anderson (31%) and Margaret Shabazz (7%).Shabazz was the only African American candidate running for election outside of the District 1 city council race. Ballard
- School Board District 2: An incumbent, Julie Hedrick won with 57% of the vote.
- School Board District 5: Amy Jensen defeated incumbent Kathy Bond with 54%. Bond was one of the more conservative candidates who ran on the 2021 slate.
- School Board District 6: Amy Warren won with 70%, defeating incumbent Hazel Stabler. This district covers a portion of Northeast and North Central Wichita, beginning on the west side of I135. A lot of our readers may be surprised to learn they reside in this district.
What These Results Signal for Wichita’s Northeast Side
District 1 voters chose a blend of continuity and recalibrated leadership:
- Shepard, a younger, movement-oriented coalition builder, represents a shift toward a more progressive and data-driven approach at City Hall—while still aligned with some established political players.
- Albert, once viewed with skepticism, has secured renewed trust from families who expect stability, academic focus, and fairness in a district still navigating federal oversight.
The next four years will reveal whether both leaders can translate promises into tangible improvement for one of Wichita’s most engaged—and watched—communities.