This Year, Kansas Democrats Finally Have Choices

People keep asking me the same question: “Who should I vote for?”

The truth is, I rarely endorse candidates, and I’m not going to this year. Instead, I encourage you to become an informed voter. That’s easier said than done because there’s a lot to sort through this election, but it’s worth the effort.

The good news is that, for a change, Kansas Democrats actually have choices. Too often, Democratic voters have had only one candidate—or no candidate at all. Competitive primaries produce stronger candidates, and that’s good for democracy.

If you’re still making up your mind, I recommend the KMUW Voter Guide and the gubernatorial candidate debates available online through KWCH. Both are excellent resources.

For the races I’m watching closely:

The governor’s race has several strong candidates. What disappoints me is Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision to publicly support one ticket before voters had a chance to decide for themselves. I’d rather see Democrats make that choice without feeling pressure from party leaders.

Personally, I’d be proud to see Wichita’s KC Ohaebosim become lieutenant governor, but the most important thing is nominating the Democrat with the best chance to win in November. Kansas also has a history of electing Democratic women as governor, something voters may also consider as they weigh their choices.

The U.S. Senate race is equally fascinating. Eleven Democrats filed in hopes of taking on Roger Marshall. Erik Murray has the opportunity to make history as the first African American elected to statewide office in Kansas since Edward McCabe became state auditor in 1883. I’m also impressed by Army veteran Noah Taylor, whose straightforward style has attracted attention across the state.  

However the most funded candidates with likely the largest name recognition is Adam Hamilton, the Johnson County-based Pastor of  Resurrection United Methodist Church based in Johnson County.

The 4th Congressional District also deserves attention. Ron Estes faces his strongest challenge in years. Katy Tyndell and Chris Carmichael are both quality candidates who offer different paths forward and could make this one of the most competitive congressional races Kansas has seen in some time.

Closer to home, northeast Wichita voters also have meaningful choices. With KC Ohaebosim leaving the 89th House District seat to run for lieutenant governor, voters will choose between two well-qualified Democrats, Carol Brewer and Jalon Britton. Both have made thoughtful cases for why they should represent the district, and we’ve published their responses to our candidate questionnaire on Pages 9 and 10.

The 84th District also offers voters a choice between incumbent Ford Carr and me, Bonita Gooch. Because I am a candidate in that race and publisher of The Community Voice, we’ve chosen not to cover the campaign beyond informing readers that it is on the ballot. In a further step to remain impartial, we encourage 84th District voters to review the candidates’ responses in the KMUW Voter Guide and other available resources before casting their ballots.

There are a few other statewide races you’ll see on your ballot. Beyond the governor’s and U.S. Senate contests, Democrats have one additional primary for secretary of state, where Jennifer Day and Samuel Lane are seeking the nomination. Day has been visible on the campaign trail in Wichita and across Kansas. I haven’t seen anything from Lane and honestly wonder how active his campaign has been. The winner will face Republican Pat Proctor in November because current Secretary of State Scott Schwab is running for governor.

The remaining Democratic statewide candidates don’t have primary opponents. Chris Mann will challenge incumbent Attorney General Kris Kobach in November. Dinah Sykes is the Democratic nominee for insurance commissioner and will face Republican Dan Hawkins after incumbent Vicki Schmidt entered the governor’s race instead of seeking another term. Democratic newcomer Juan Luengo will challenge incumbent Republican Steven Johnson for state treasurer.

One other thing may surprise Wichita voters. You’ll notice a number of Sedgwick County District Court races with no Democratic candidate. That’s not an oversight. Democrats have largely stopped contesting those races because they’ve had little success winning countywide judicial elections. In recent years, even judges appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly to fill vacancies have been unable to retain their seats when they later stood for election.

That reality is one of the concerns raised by opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment changing how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected. They argue that if Supreme Court justices were elected in partisan races, the political makeup of the electorate could play a larger role in determining who serves on the court than it does under the current merit-selection system. Supporters of the amendment argue that voters—not a nominating commission—should make that decision.

Before you vote, be sure to read our story on Page 8 explaining the proposed constitutional amendment. It’s one of the most important—and most misunderstood—questions on the ballot.

Most importantly, vote.

Your vote may not decide every election, but it does decide whether your voice is part of the conversation. Democracy works best when we all participate.