Here’s who is running for Sedgwick County commissioner in 2026
Two Sedgwick County commissioners will face challengers as they seek reelection in November, while a third has no opponents.
In District 1 in the northeast part of the county, Republican incumbent Pete Meitzner will face Democrat Sarah McMillen. In District 5 in the southeast part of the county, Republican incumbent Jim Howell will face Libertarian Olivia Hayse.
Republican incumbent Ryan Baty is unopposed in District 4 in the north-central part of the county.
The deadline to file for office was June 1.
Commissioners make up the governing body for Sedgwick County and are paid $110,941.22 a year. Their responsibilities include setting policy direction and approving a budget for vital services such as EMS, 911, Comcare, corrections and the sheriff’s office.
District 1
District 1 in northeast Sedgwick County includes east Wichita, Kechi, Bel Aire and Eastborough.
Pete Meitzner
Position: Current District 1 county commissioner
Previously: Wichita District 2 City Council member, private sector employment in banking and telecommunications
Education: Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Wichita State University
Party registration: Republican
Substantial interests: Meitzner lists his employment with the county and majority ownership of a consulting business, Meitzner & Associates, and some ownership of Cetane Oil Partners. He also reported several board memberships including The Lord’s Diner, Greater Wichita Partnership, Downtown Wichita and more.
Sarah McMillen
Position: Licensed clinical marriage and family therapist
Previously: Candidate for Wichita School Board District 1 in 2025
Education: Kansas Wesleyan University, California Baptist University, Eisner Institute of Professional Studies
Party registration: Democrat
Substantial interests: McMillen listed ownership in her LLC for her therapy practice, as well as the building for her private practice, Wellspring Wellness Corp. in Salina. She also listed board membership for the Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board.
District 4
District 4 in north-central Sedgwick County includes north Wichita, Park City, Maize and Valley Center.
Ryan Baty
Position: Current District 4 county commissioner, Mattress Hub founder
Previously: Minor league baseball player
Education: Wichita Northwest High School, University of Kansas, Newman University MBA
Party registration: Republican
Substantial interests: Baty lists his employment with the county and The Mattress Hub. He also reported some investment accounts, including one in cattle. Baty lists board memberships for the Love Like Remi Foundation, Firm Foundation Ministries and Gathered.
District 5
District 5 is in southeast Sedgwick County and includes southeast Wichita, McConnell Air Force Base, Derby and Mulvane
Jim Howell
Position: Current District 5 county commissioner
Previously: Kansas State House representative, U.S. Air Force
Education: Wichita Southeast High School, Friends University, Southern Illinois University, College of the Air Force
Party registration: Republican
Substantial interests: Howell reported his employment with the county and several retirement accounts. He also reported ownership of a limited liability company called the Kansas Constitution Project. Howell reported board membership to the Kansas State Rifle Association and the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Olivia Hayse
Position: Freelance digital marketing/advertising manager, dance instructor and coach
Previously: Marketing and events assistant
Education: Independence Senior High, Independence Community College
Party registration: Libertarian
Substantial interests: Hayse does not list any substantial interests.