The Eagle teamed up with KMUW to ask south-central Kansas legislative candidates in contested primary races about issues readers said were important to them.

Kansas House District 72 Republican primary

This district is in northeast Sedgwick County, southern Harvey County and southwest Butler County, It includes much of Newton, Sedgwick and Whitewater.

Avery Anderson

Anderson, the incumbent, has not yet responded to the voter guide questionnaire.

Michael Stavola

Age: 37

Incumbent: No

Position: Work with youth through a nonprofit

Past positions: Former writer at The Wichita Eagle

Education: Master’s degree in business; bachelor’s in communications

Campaign phone: No answer provided

Campaign email: michael@stavolaforkansas.com

Campaign website: Stavolaforkansas.com

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I am a faithful community servant, who is endorsed by several pastors, and I have real-world experience as a journalist where I exposed government corruption and waste. Everything wrong in politics are the people we elect and re-elect. The main thing that needs to happen is the need to reduce the size of our government, which has grown 70% since 2019. More government is never the answer.

What is the top issue for you and your constituents and what would you do to address it?

Reel in government spending, which has spiked dramatically the last several years and includes legislators doubling their salaries. We remove the red tape and bloat in the budget by talking with workers, not just governor-appointed department heads, and prioritizing what is important and what is not.

What is your plan to provide property tax relief to homeowners while maintaining funding for essential government services such as public education and public safety?

Start tackling the largest cost drivers in each community. Most people cost the government nothing. People with mental health/addiction problems use lots of local resources and put a strain on services. Studies show rehabbing these people saves money in the long run. Addressing this would allow local services to be reduced, thus bringing down the local burden on property taxes.

Kansas’ current K-12 school finance formula is set to expire on July 1, 2027, making adoption of a new formula a top priority in next year’s legislative session. What specific provisions must that formula include or exclude to earn your vote?

I am not for cutting public education. It is where children with disabilities and from broken homes will always end up. Public education cannot be abandoned. But, just like all parts of government, we should be looking for efficiencies and fixes to the problems. Here’s mine: There are school districts that need to be consolidated. Too many KS schools are hard to justify staying open. And then for the minority of disruptive students, those now shuttered buildings can serve as the county’s alternative schools. A small number of students should not be able to affect education for the masses.

What ideas do you have for ensuring access to healthcare across the state?

Kansas should adopt it’s own version of Medicaid to include work requirements. Give people the best opportunity to succeed, including helping getting them back to work, and put rigid safeguards in place. Education and access to affordable healthcare should be top priorities for government — not giving a football team $2 billion.

How do you think state Supreme Court justices should be selected?

I will advocate for term limits (I am self-imposing one on myself of no more than four years) and limiting lobbying and PAC donations. I also like the idea of having a judge from different congressional districts so there is representation from around the state.

What is your view on abortion, and how would you vote on future abortion-related legislation?

Pro life

What do you see as the biggest threats to public safety in your district? As a lawmaker, what budget items or legislation would you champion to help your constituents feel safe at home and in their communities?

Mental health and addiction. These people fill our jails, courts and strain our 911 system. This is a small, but growing group of people, and they make up the bulk of crime committed. We have to start rehabbing these people the right way, which science shows means longer treatment than we currently do. Right now, they just come right back into needing services. This is a revolving loop that needs to end. And, if they don’t take the handout, there needs to be jail time. Right now, people can have 20 drug charges and just stay out in society. That should not happen.

Are elections in Kansas free, secure and accurate? What kind of additional legislation would you support, if any, regarding elections?

At the polls, yes. But people should not be picking up ballots for anyone else.

What ideas do you have for improving academic success for Kansas K-12 students?

Stated above

Do you agree with the Legislature’s 2025 decision to offer tax breaks to hyperscale data centers? Should Kansas have more hyperscale data centers? How should the state regulate data centers?

No. Government should not be giving money or tax breaks to businesses. It’s just another way government can be more corrupt by giving contracts to friends and campaign donors. Let government be government and business be business. It is up to local jurisdictions to decide on data center in their communities, but the state can assist in making sure that the details put forth by data centers are accurate.

What, if any, role should state and local law enforcement play in assisting ICE agents arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally?

That is up to officials in each jurisdiction. Those communities decide what is and isn’t acceptable.

Kansas House District 72 Democratic candidate

There is no primary on the Democratic side.

Matthew Smith

Age: 46

Incumbent: No

Position: Owner and operator of local HVAC business

Past positions: None. This is my first campaign for public office.

Education: GED (1998); HVAC/R training through Wichita Technical Institute (2006). Continuing education through manufacturer certification and industry training.

Campaign phone: No answer provided

Campaign email: Smithfor72@gmail.com

Campaign website: Smithfor72.us

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I don’t believe the best representatives are career politicians. I’m a small business owner who has spent years solving problems, balancing budgets, meeting payroll, and serving people in my community. My vision is a Kansas where families can afford to buy a home, raise children, access quality healthcare, and keep more of what they earn. I want government to focus less on political division and more on practical solutions that improve everyday life.

What is the top issue for you and your constituents and what would you do to address it?

The rising cost of living touches nearly every family in District 72. Property taxes, housing, childcare, insurance, and groceries continue to outpace wages. I will support policies that expand affordable housing, strengthen workforce development and skilled trades, reduce unnecessary costs for families, and encourage economic growth without shifting the burden onto working Kansans.

What is your plan to provide property tax relief to homeowners while maintaining funding for essential government services such as public education and public safety?

Kansans deserve property tax relief without sacrificing quality schools or public safety. I support examining state spending, closing tax loopholes that unfairly benefit large corporations, encouraging responsible economic growth to broaden the tax base, and increasing transparency so taxpayers know where their money goes. Relief should be sustainable, not a short-term political promise.

Kansas’ current K-12 school finance formula is set to expire on July 1, 2027, making adoption of a new formula a top priority in next year’s legislative session. What specific provisions must that formula include or exclude to earn your vote?

Any new formula must be predictable, transparent, and equitable so every Kansas student has access to a quality education regardless of ZIP code. It should account for inflation, support rural and growing districts, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. I also want to see greater emphasis on career and technical education so students are prepared for skilled trades, college, military service, or the workforce.

What ideas do you have for ensuring access to healthcare across the state?

Healthcare should be affordable and available in every Kansas community. I support strengthening rural hospitals, expanding access to primary and mental health care, growing the healthcare workforce, and reducing barriers to care. We should focus on lowering costs for families while ensuring children, seniors, and working Kansans can get the care they need before small problems become expensive emergencies.

How do you think state Supreme Court justices should be selected?

I’m a “no” vote on changing how Kansas selects Supreme Court justices. The current merit-based system works. I don’t believe campaign money, corporate interests, or partisan politics belong in choosing our highest court. We already elect district judges. Our Supreme Court should remain focused on qualifications, experience, and an independent judiciary.

What is your view on abortion, and how would you vote on future abortion-related legislation?

I firmly support a woman’s right to choose. Kansans made their voices clear in 2022 by protecting that right in our Constitution, and I believe elected officials should respect that decision. I’ll continue to support bodily autonomy and oppose efforts that put government in the middle of deeply personal family healthcare decisions.

What do you see as the biggest threats to public safety in your district? As a lawmaker, what budget items or legislation would you champion to help your constituents feel safe at home and in their communities?

Public safety depends on trust. When communities don’t trust law enforcement, don’t understand the justice system, or rely on misinformation instead of facts, everyone is less safe. I support strengthening community policing, expanding outreach and public education, and encouraging positive engagement between law enforcement and the people they serve. We should also ensure our first responders have the training and resources they need while building stronger partnerships that help prevent crime before it happens.

Are elections in Kansas free, secure and accurate? What kind of additional legislation would you support, if any, regarding elections?

Yes. I believe Kansas elections are free, secure, and accurate, and I have not seen credible evidence that would lead me to believe otherwise. Rather than creating additional barriers to voting, I support improving voter access while maintaining election integrity. I also believe we need better civic education and public outreach to combat misinformation so voters can have confidence in both the election process and its results.

What ideas do you have for improving academic success for Kansas K-12 students?

Improving academic success starts with adequately funding our schools and giving teachers the support they need to succeed. We should strengthen reading, math, and other core fundamentals while expanding special education services and career and technical education so students have multiple paths to success. I also believe classrooms should be places where teachers can teach, students can learn, and everyone feels safe and respected.

Do you agree with the Legislature’s 2025 decision to offer tax breaks to hyperscale data centers? Should Kansas have more hyperscale data centers? How should the state regulate data centers?

Kansas should welcome investment that benefits our communities, but it must come with accountability. Before approving large-scale data centers, we need transparency, ongoing public oversight, and clear standards for energy use, water consumption, infrastructure costs, and economic benefits. Tax incentives should require measurable returns for Kansas taxpayers. Without those safeguards and regular accountability, I would not support additional incentives or large-scale development.

What, if any, role should state and local law enforcement play in assisting ICE agents arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally?

Immigration laws should be enforced consistently with the U.S. and Kansas Constitutions. State and local law enforcement should cooperate within the limits of their legal authority while respecting due process and constitutional protections. I do not support policies that encourage officials to exceed those limits or rely on broad interpretations of executive authority. Upholding the Constitution must remain the standard, regardless of who holds office.

Kansas House District 74 Republican primary

This district covers parts of Harvey, Marion and McPherson counties. It includes North Newton, part of Newton, Hillsboro, Peabody and Moundridge.

Mike King

King, the incumbent, has not yet responded to the voter guide questionnaire.

Craig Andres

Age: 60

Incumbent: No

Position: Consultant/retiree

Past positions: Television News Anchor and investigative journalist

Education: Bachelor communications pre law emphasis

Campaign phone: No answer provided.

Campaign email: No answer provided.

Campaign website: No answer provided.

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I’ve never held a public office. I am a complete outsider with fresh ideas.

What is the top issue for you and your constituents and what would you do to address it?

Fix our rural roads. Lower property taxes. Lower property taxes and lower property taxes.

What is your plan to provide property tax relief to homeowners while maintaining funding for essential government services such as public education and public safety?

The vision is to do a shift and offer a mix of moving some, not all, school funding from property taxes to income tax. This moves finance to Higher earners and investors and high income households. Property taxes help schools with long planning but that’s hard on homeowners. Keep school strong by offering a rework of special education funding while offering property tax relief. A one half of one cent tax on gasoline (not diesel fuel) should be Considered if gas prices stabilize in the next six months.

Kansas’ current K-12 school finance formula is set to expire on July 1, 2027, making adoption of a new formula a top priority in next year’s legislative session. What specific provisions must that formula include or exclude to earn your vote?

Kansas kids are the future so we have to get this right. We need a complete new formula that will not open up taxpayers to pay for another massive lawsuit. We have to offer better transparency. Shift some funding towards income. Tax on hotel stays as a supplement to go into school funding. If you have a Kansas drivers license you do not pay that tax at a hotel. Rework special education funding while working a new per-pupil base formula that will allow our schools to stay strong without having to pay more. Legislative research will have to very involved if we are to succeed for our future.

What ideas do you have for ensuring access to healthcare across the state?

Help expand tele health and remote healthcare. It is hard to keep doctors and medical professionals in rural areas. Boost loan forgiveness for future doctors and nurses who will commit to Kansas. Critical access hospitals are vital, but we need future healthcare professionals to understand Kansas is a great place. Keep our med students here by offering a combo of grants through the state and begin county or multi-county grant programs to incentivize health care professionals to want to live here. We have great rural communities so let’s stop losing our future doctors to other states.

How do you think state Supreme Court justices should be selected?

Popular vote with stronger penalties put forward for judges who break the rules or do not follow rules.

What is your view on abortion, and how would you vote on future abortion-related legislation?

I am a male. I offer no opinions on abortion. I would abstain on abortion votes. There will be a Majority of Republican lawmakers that will vote the way a majority of Kansans feel on the issue.

What do you see as the biggest threats to public safety in your district? As a lawmaker, what budget items or legislation would you champion to help your constituents feel safe at home and in their communities?

Our rural roads off the highways are not safe. Shift roads funding, in part, to local control for roads spending. Counties and townships know better than Topeka what to do with roads.

Are elections in Kansas free, secure and accurate? What kind of additional legislation would you support, if any, regarding elections?

I believe Kansas does a good job with elections now.

What ideas do you have for improving academic success for Kansas K-12 students?

Put better and more robust guardrails in place for expectations of each grade level not just graduation readiness. We need to meet kids where they are in life (each grade level) to motivate them to want to meet expectations throughout school years.

Do you agree with the Legislature’s 2025 decision to offer tax breaks to hyperscale data centers? Should Kansas have more hyperscale data centers? How should the state regulate data centers?

No hyperscale data centers. No. No. Tax breaks are offered to too many conglomerates already. No.

What, if any, role should state and local law enforcement play in assisting ICE agents arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally?

Our police of all stripes are too busy. Let iCE do its own job.

Kansas House District 74 Democratic candidate

There is no primary on the Democratic side.

Michele Ediger

Age: 67

Incumbent: No

Position: Retired

Past positions: Co-owner of business consulting business; office manager

Education: Some College, lots of life experience.

Campaign phone: 620-869-5124

Campaign email: edigerforeveryone@gmail.com

Campaign website: edigerforeveryone.com

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I will work toward implementing legislation that supports all Kansans, not just the elite. I’ve studied the types of legislation our current legislators have passed into law, and the ones they chose to ignore. Legislators must be trusted to pass laws that won’t hurt Kansans, and won’t be tied up in the courts for years because they are so poorly written or thought through. Bad legislation hurts Kansans and is poor stewardship of our tax dollars.

What is the top issue for you and your constituents and what would you do to address it?

We need to find long-term solutions to out-of-control property taxes, as well as creative ways to fully fund public education. We must regulate the businesses that threaten to siphon off all of our ground water, create unaffordable energy prices, and potentially poison our environment. We need to protect personal rights and voting rights.

What is your plan to provide property tax relief to homeowners while maintaining funding for essential government services such as public education and public safety?

One of the first things we need to take a hard look at are the tax breaks being given to large business and the wealthy. Taxation should be fair and EQUITABLE. These are complicated issues, but I believe searching for workable solutions that don’t overburden our lower and middle class populations are achievable.

Kansas’ current K-12 school finance formula is set to expire on July 1, 2027, making adoption of a new formula a top priority in next year’s legislative session. What specific provisions must that formula include or exclude to earn your vote?

The various weighting factors are complex and I need to understand the details better to provide a fully informed answer. However, I do believe we need to cover the State’s obligation to fund 92% of special ed, to maintain high educator standards and pay, and to preserve early ed and vocational ed.

What ideas do you have for ensuring access to healthcare across the state?

First, Kansas should expand Medicaid. We could create a commission to force all reimbursement rates be linked to Medicaid, to keep billing medical rates down. The State could work with employers as a group to negotiate rates with insurers to put competitve pressure on the insurers. At some point there has to be a limit on the profit margins of the insurers to help offset the cost of healthcare to the end user.

How do you think state Supreme Court justices should be selected?

I believe the system we currently have in place works. I do not believe most of us have the knowledge as to who would serve well as a supreme court justice. If we change our constitution to elect judges, then they will be expected to campaign and big money would surely follow the judges that big money feels would lean toward their interests.

What is your view on abortion, and how would you vote on future abortion-related legislation?

I am Pro-ALL-life. I feel this is a personal choice between a woman and her doctor. I do not believe abortion should be used as a standard method of birth control. I would vote for choice. I feel it is important to make birth control free and accessible. Maternal care, childcare, education, healthcare and food should all be affordable for everyone. If we say we value life, than we must value all life.

What do you see as the biggest threats to public safety in your district? As a lawmaker, what budget items or legislation would you champion to help your constituents feel safe at home and in their communities?

Natural disasters, drug and alcohol addiction, gun violence. We must have adequately funded weather monitoring and alert systems, as well as protecting our ground water. Community mental health services that are readily available and affordable to address addictions and other mental health disorders which can lead to violence and harm of others or property. I support well-trained law enforcement.

Are elections in Kansas free, secure and accurate? What kind of additional legislation would you support, if any, regarding elections?

I have felt that they have been free, secure and accurate and my County Elections Clerk would attest to the same. I do think they are under threat of over regulation and fear mongering. I would only support legislation that makes voting easier and more accessible.

What ideas do you have for improving academic success for Kansas K-12 students?

I’m going to have to confer with educators on this.

Do you agree with the Legislature’s 2025 decision to offer tax breaks to hyperscale data centers? Should Kansas have more hyperscale data centers? How should the state regulate data centers?

I recognize AI is here and is not going away, so the fallout of that is that it requires a lot of land, energy and water. I would like to see some regulation on AI. If we discourage it’s overuse, than so many data centers would not be needed. I do NOT feel they merit tax breaks. There must be some long-range planning and studies.

What, if any, role should state and local law enforcement play in assisting ICE agents arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally?

If an illegal immigrant has a criminal record, then yes, local law enforcement should arrest and hold them temporarily for DHS. I do not believe local law enforcement should be used to round-up all immigrants. Immigrants’ reasons for being here are many. They contribute to our communities, and to our economy. These are our friends, co-workers and neighbors and they should be treated with dignity. America is a country of abundance, I am for reasonable, compassionate immigration reform.

House District 75 Republican primary

This district covers much of Butler County, including El Dorado. Republican incumbent Will Carpenter is not seeking reelection.

Tyler Coats

Coats has not yet responded to the voter guide questionnaire.

Javon Napier

Napier has not yet responded to the voter guide questionnaire.

House District 75 Democratic candidate

Randy Quinn

Age: 70

Incumbent: No

Position: Retired/Chair Butler County Democrats

Past positions: Precinct Committee Chair

Education: BS 1978; MDiv 1987

Campaign phone: 316-821-1305

Campaign email: QuinnforHD75@gmail.com

Campaign website: Facebook/Randy Quinn, Candidate for Kansas House District 75

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I am committed to creating safe and welcoming communities where everyone is supported, cared for, and respected. My career as a pastor taught me how to help people with strong opinions work towards common goals. Serving on a submarine, taught me that everyone has a gift to offer and is vital to thriving communities. As the parent of a special needs child, I know the importance of special education funding. After living in small towns for most of my adult life, I also know the crucial need for affordable health care, including thriving hospitals.

What is the top issue for you and your constituents and what would you do to address it?

There is a need for decency and respect between people with differing viewpoints on a variety of issues. The first priority is to learn to listen to each other and find ways to solve problems together, rather than forcing through solutions based on pre-conceived ideas.

What is your plan to provide property tax relief to homeowners while maintaining funding for essential government services such as public education and public safety?

We must shift the payment for government services from property tax to income tax. At a minimum, we need to add a third tier to the state income tax brackets.

Kansas’ current K-12 school finance formula is set to expire on July 1, 2027, making adoption of a new formula a top priority in next year’s legislative session. What specific provisions must that formula include or exclude to earn your vote?

As the parent of a special needs child, I know how important special education services are. I will not support any plan that does not include full funding for special ed.

What ideas do you have for ensuring access to healthcare across the state?

We need to expand Medicaid. We also need to return to programs of the past that encouraged doctors to move to rural areas. And of course, that cannot happen if we don’t find a way to support rural hospitals.

How do you think state Supreme Court justices should be selected?

I believe our current system is working well. When it fails, there is already a provision for removing justices by a vote of the people.

What is your view on abortion, and how would you vote on future abortion-related legislation?

I don’t believe politicians belong in the room when doctors talk to their patients.

What do you see as the biggest threats to public safety in your district? As a lawmaker, what budget items or legislation would you champion to help your constituents feel safe at home and in their communities?

Policing is essential, but it can only help after the fact. We need to find a ways to foster respect for other people and their property. That begins with respectful conversations in the political arena.

Are elections in Kansas free, secure and accurate? What kind of additional legislation would you support, if any, regarding elections?

Our voting system works well.

What ideas do you have for improving academic success for Kansas K-12 students?

While there are no easy answers, I am convinced we can improve academic success by expanding non-STEM areas such as music and art, as well as industrial and life skills.

Do you agree with the Legislature’s 2025 decision to offer tax breaks to hyperscale data centers? Should Kansas have more hyperscale data centers? How should the state regulate data centers?

I am not a fan of large scale tax breaks and I am opposed to using data centers without clear guardrails. I am particularly concerned about water use and wastewater management. The loss of productive farmland must also be considered.

What, if any, role should state and local law enforcement play in assisting ICE agents arresting people suspected of being in the country illegally?

Local Law Enforcement needs to focus on local laws; it’s what they train for.

2018 Midterms

Voter Guide: State BOE candidates talk about student achievement, teachers, more

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