Wichita Democratic voters reshaped the city’s legislative delegation Tuesday, unseating two incumbent state representatives and selecting a nominee in an open-seat race in three closely watched Kansas House contests that include many of the city’s historically Black and racially diverse neighborhoods.
The biggest shakeup came in House District 84, where Bonita Gooch defeated incumbent Ford Carr with 70% of the vote. Carr, who was appointed to the seat following the death of longtime Rep. Gail Finney in 2022, had never before faced an opponent in either a primary or general election.
Gooch, publisher and owner of The Community Voice, campaigned on her three decades of community leadership, relationships with local and state leaders and a promise to increase constituent engagement through regular district meetings and accessibility. She said her experience working with residents, nonprofits and elected officials has prepared her to advocate effectively for the district in Topeka.
Because no Republican filed for the District 84 seat, Gooch will appear unopposed on the November general election ballot.
An open-seat contest also produced a new Democratic nominee.
In House District 89, Carol Brewer defeated Jalon Britton 59% to 41% to succeed Rep. KC Ohaebosim, who opted not to seek reelection after joining Sen. Cindy Holscher’s gubernatorial ticket as her running mate for lieutenant governor.
Brewer, founder of Dorothy’s Lane, a nonprofit serving Wichita families, campaigned on expanding opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods. Britton, who has worked in education, youth development and family services, was making his second bid for the Legislature.
Like District 84, no Republican filed in District 89, meaning Brewer also advances to the November election without opposition.
The third Wichita-area race featured another incumbent defeat, although it returns a familiar face to the Statehouse.
Former Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple defeated incumbent Henry Helgerson 61% to 39% in House District 83. Before serving as mayor from 2020 to 2024, Whipple represented Wichita in the Kansas House from 2013 to 2020.
Unlike the other two Wichita races, District 83 remains competitive heading into November. Whipple will face Republican Zachary Werhan in the general election.
The results made Wichita one of the state’s biggest sources of legislative change Tuesday. Contested House primaries are relatively uncommon in Kansas, where incumbents often go years without drawing challengers. This year, however, voters replaced two sitting representatives while selecting a successor in an open seat.
Tuesday’s primary set the stage for the November general election, with Gooch and Brewer appearing on the ballot without Republican opposition while Whipple seeks to complete his return to the Legislature.