While Wichita voters produced two of the night’s biggest legislative upsets, contested Kansas House primaries elsewhere across the state largely determined who will advance to the November general election in several closely watched districts.
In Topeka’s House District 55, incumbent Democratic Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen defeated challenger Zinaia Armstead 83% to 17%. Schlingensiepen, a former senior minister and past treasurer of the Kansas Democratic Party, advances to the November ballot, where he will face Republican Lanell Griffith.
In House District 33, Emily Blanks captured the Democratic nomination with 78% of the vote over Romona Smith. Blanks, who serves on the Bonner Springs City Council, advances to face Republican Rep. Carolyn Caiharr in November. Caiharr, who was appointed to the Kansas House in 2025, also serves as mayor of Edwardsville. If elected, Blanks would continue serving on the Bonner Springs City Council while also serving in the Legislature, a dual role permitted under Kansas law and held by a number of local officials.
Another Democratic primary in House District 78 saw Tim Lundberg defeat KaMesha Bernard 64% to 36%. Lundberg advances to the November election, where he will face Republican Robyn R. Essex.
Republicans also settled an open-seat race in House District 75, centered around El Dorado, where Tyler Coates defeated Javion Napier 85% to 15%. The seat became available after Rep. Will Carpenter chose not to seek reelection. Coates now advances to the general election against Democrat Randy Quinn.
In Kansas City, Kansas, Republicans selected Alex Sanchez as their nominee in House District 35, where he defeated Lisa Walker-Yeager 56% to 44%. Sanchez advances to face Democratic Rep. Wanda Paige Brownlee, who is serving her first term in the Kansas House while also serving on the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education.
Tuesday’s primaries set the field for November when voters will decide the makeup of the next Kansas House of Representatives.
