to protect Democracy
Other Candidates
If you're registered as a Democrat or a Republican, you can vote in the August primary for which of your party's candidates you want to advance to the general election. Some people vote for their favorites. Others vote for who they think stands the best chance of winning against the other party's candidate. Your call.
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I've been registered "unaffiliated" (Independent) most of my adult life, so I've never voted in a primary before, except that one time abortion rights were on the ballot.
Democrats
The 2026 races are getting crowded. For registered Democrats, here's a collection of websites for the candidates you can choose from in the primaries.​​
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US SENATE
We've got a lot of quality candidates. It's a tough choice, but I think I'm going to root for Anne Parelkar. She's very driven, and yet very good at building a rapport with people who don't agree with her politics. That's a rare combination. Also check out Noah Taylor and Jason Hart, who were very close second picks.
Christy Davis Impressive background. Apparently she's worked in all 105 Kansas counties. Has a lot of experience working with Republicans.
Adam Hamilton Runs a KC area megachurch, which has helped him break fundraising records.
Jason Hart Former child sex crime prosecutor. Has a plan to use his attorney skills to conduct investigations in DC and get convictions.
Kevin Latz A medical doctor, and one or the more recently declared candidates
Erik Murray Very charismatic. Believes his diverse (WyCo) background gives him the skills he will need in congress to build coalitions.
Sandy Spidel Neumann Lots of experience in Fortune 250 companies
Anne Parelkar Immigration lawyer who comes across as an outspoken country girl.
Noah Taylor Afghanistan combat vet. Very passionate about what he wants to accomplish with his run for office; I can hear it in his voice.
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US HOUSE
District 1 most of the North and West
Colin McRoberts Business professor. Effortless public speaker.
Lauren Reinhold Lifetime public servant who got DOGEd
Colin is a professional negotiator, which will serve him well in the general election and the House. Lauren is driven and has a strong sense of ethics that I admire. Pick which skill set you think is more important.
District 2 most of Eastern Kansas
Don Coover West point grad who now runs a cattle genetics company. No nonsense.
District 3 South of downtown KC
Sharice Davids Our beloved incumbent.
District 4 middle of South Kansas
Chris Carmichael, Cole Epley, Ryan Gilbert, Katy Tyndell
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GOVERNOR
As far as I can tell, there are no bad choices.
Ethan Corson Very willing to engage with Western Kansas, a traditional weakness of the Democratic Party
Cindy Holscher Strong state legislative record
Curt Skoog Last-minute add-on. Currently the mayor of Overland Park.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL
Chris Mann Ex cop, well qualified. Chris is set to face off in the general election against Kris Kobach, whom long-time Kansans will remember as the Attorney General who, back when he was Secretary of State, tried to impose harsh state voter ID laws eerily similar to the more contemporary SAVE Act -- laws that were struck down by the Courts.​ I'd definitely rather see Mann win this race.
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SECRETARY OF STATE
Yes, I have competition in the Democratic primary for Secretary of State. Check out her website, and then decide if you'd rather vote for her or me.
Jennifer Day​​​
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INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
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TREASURER
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
District 1 Jennifer Loyd
District 3 Amy Diediker
District 5 Lorie Wood Lifelong teacher and, as I recently figured out, a heck of an organizer
District 7 Ann Zimmerman
District 9 Heather Guernsey
Republicans
And for registered Republicans, here are the major candidates for your primary, so far.​​ I haven't been invited to many Republican events, so I haven't met many of these candidates, and can't tell you much about them.
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US SENATE
Roger Marshall, Pond Naramore​
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US HOUSE
District 1 most of the North and West
At the Salina League of Women Voters' forum, Craig Musser was the only Republican candidate who bothered to show up. It loos like we have some common ground in wanting to clean up corruption and make life better for Kansans.
District 2 most of Eastern Kansas
Chad E. Young I met him briefly. Spoke against hyper-partisanship. Calls himself a strong supporter of God and the Constitution.
District 3 South of downtown KC
Chase LaPorte He finally got a website up.
District 4 middle of South Kansas
Frank McCollum
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GOVERNOR
Democrats have a boatload of senate candidates, Republicans have a ton of gubernatorial candidates.
Ty Masterson, Charlotte O'Hara, Stacy Rogers, Nick Reinecker, Philip Sarnecki, Vicki Schmidt, Scott Schwab
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ATTORNEY GENERAL
Kris Kobach Spiritual granddaddy of the SAVE Act
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SECRETARY OF STATE
Ken Rahjes, has withdrawn from the race to be Scott Schwab's gubernatorial running mate
Pat Proctor the controversy magnet. Loud Light in particular has a major beef with him. The tea is thick between them.
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INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
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TREASURER
Steven C. Johnson
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
District 1 Amy Cawvey
District 3 Jim McMullen, Steve Roberts
District 5 Kelly Ancar, Jean Clifford
District 7 Alana McWilliams
District 9 Destry Brown, Kristian Gerkin, Renee Slinknard
Kansas congressional districts for the House of Representatives, 2023 redistricting. Map taken from Wikipedia and doublechecked against the Secretary of State's website.
Independents
My old crew the Independents aren't a party, but a catch-all for anyone neither Democrat nor Republican. Hence, they don't get a primary.
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GOVERNOR
Sharilyn Ray Independent​
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US HOUSE
District 1
Steven Jacob Libertarian
District 2
John Hauer Libertarian
District 3
Steve Hohe Libertarian
District 4
Drew Cranmer Libertarian
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SECRETARY OF STATE
Scott Morgan United Kansas Party, a new political party