Former Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple likely returning to Kansas politics

Former Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple appears to be returning to Kansas politics.

Whipple filed a treasurer appointment form with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office, indicating an interest in running for the Kansas House District Seat 83, currently held by Democrat Henry Helgerson.

“We’re taking the first step,” Whipple said in a Facebook post asking for campaign donations.

Whipple also previously served in the Kansas Statehouse, where he represented District 86, a district that covers parts of south Wichita. He held that seat beginning in 2013 until he was sworn in as Wichita’s mayor in 2020.

Whipple lost re-election for mayor in 2023 against Lily Wu.

“After serving both in the legislature and as mayor, I’ve seen how much state-level decisions impact families directly, and I feel I still have something to offer in terms of experience and getting results,” Whipple said in an email to the Eagle.

Whipple said that he respects Helgerson, although he’s running for the seat currently held by the Eastborough Democrat.

“This isn’t about running against someone, it’s about stepping forward based on the ideas and experience I can bring, and a desire to be an active, present voice for this community moving forward,” Whipple said.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Kansas House Democrats Leader Brandon Woodard backed Helgerson for re-election.

“We stand firmly behind Representative Helgerson of House District 83, and we are all-in on ensuring he defeats any challenger both in the August primary and the November general election,” Woodard said in the statement. “He will have our full, unwavering support every step of the way.”

Whipple said he’ll focus on rising costs for families during his campaign and if elected to the state House seat.

“I think the focus needs to be on the issues that directly impact Kansans’ daily lives, making health care more accessible, including finally expanding Medicaid, protecting fundamental freedoms, and addressing affordability challenges for working families, from childcare to rising costs.”

During his time as mayor, Whipple led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic soon after he was sworn-in.

He also was not immune to controversy. During his re-election campaign, Whipple was caught on Wichita Police body camera arguing with an officer after the officer attempted to bar him from entering a neighborhood clean up event.

The Eagle has reached out to Helgerson for comment and did not receive a response by publication.

This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 1:41 PM.