Kansas Helen Podcast

If you’re a Republican primary voter considering candidates for governor, I urge you to vote for Stacey Rogers. You can learn more about her People Over Politics, grassroots campaign at: www.stacyrogersforks.comWhile I personally wouldn’t vote for her due to disagreements on several key issues, I still recognize her genuine motivation for entering this race. Furthermore, I admire the immense effort she has invested in connecting with Kansans, particularly in an environment where the Republican establishment often equates a candidate’s fundraising with their worthiness.This dynamic was evident when Stacey refused to pay $10,000 for what should have been her rightful place on a debate stage. Candidates should not have to purchase opportunities to engage with opponents and voters. Political parties are increasingly blurring the lines, often implying that a candidate’s “effort” is synonymous with their fundraising prowess.However, money does not equate to effort, and it certainly doesn’t equate to votes. Consider two candidates who each raise $3,000. If one achieves this through hundreds of $5 donations, while the other receives it from three individuals contributing $1,000 each, these are not politically equivalent achievements. The first candidate has engaged a broad base of people willing to invest in their campaign, while the second has only reached three affluent individuals.I’ve observed this trend on the Democratic side as well. Candidates like Anne Paralecar and Cindy Holscher may not be outraising their opponents, but their dedication is undeniable. They are actively traveling, knocking on doors, engaging with voters, and building strong teams of supporters. Stacey Rogers demonstrates the same level of commitment.Stacey is relentlessly present. I was fortunate to secure an hour of her time after a long effort to schedule our conversation, a testament to her constant travel across Kansas. She personally knocks on doors, attends every possible event, and speaks directly with as many voters as she can. She doesn’t rely on campaign advertisements, mailers, or polished videos, expecting money to do the work for her.This is precisely what we need from our candidates. I prioritize a candidate’s willingness to persuade voters, engage in face-to-face conversations, and genuinely listen to the needs of Kansans, far above how much money they raise. While I may not endorse Stacey’s solutions or all of her policies, I believe her motivations are sincere. If you’re a Republican primary voter, I believe her dedication matters, and she has earned your consideration and your vote.Her campaign finances underscore this commitment. Rogers is running a statewide campaign with less than $50,000 and no identified PAC contributions. Her reports detail 71 named contributors and at least 121 contributors whose donations of $50 or less were collectively reported as $6,060.56, though the actual number could be higher. In total, this amounts to at least 192 contributors, giving a combined $34,486.92, with an average contribution of $179.62. Despite not having millions, Rogers is actively traveling, showing up, and engaging with Kansans.A Statewide Campaign With Less Than $50kOf the $28,426.36 in itemized contributions, an impressive $27,991.36 (98.47%) came from contributors with Kansas addresses. Only $275 (0.97%) originated from outside Kansas, while the remaining $160 (0.56%) came from a named contributor whose location was not disclosed.This is significant because it demonstrates that Rogers’s campaign is not financed by a network of out-of-state donors. Nearly all of her itemized financial support comes from within Kansas, directly linking her campaign to the state she aspires to govern.While the $6,060.56 in non-itemized contributions cannot be categorized by donor location due to reporting limitations, the verifiable itemized contributions strongly indicate that Kansans are almost exclusively funding Rogers’s campaign.Her Spending Reflects Her PrioritiesHow Rogers has spent her money is as revealing as how much she has raised. Nearly 56% of all campaign spending was allocated to online advertising, design, and marketing. When combined with expenses for campaign materials, public events, and community sponsorships, the reports clearly show a campaign heavily invested in reaching Kansans directly.The largest expenditure category was online advertising, design, and marketing, totaling approximately $17,712.50. An additional $4,160.97 was spent on printing, shirts, and campaign supplies. Rogers also invested $1,224 in a booth at the Kansas State Fair and $1,100 in community sponsorships. These are direct expenses aimed at establishing the campaign’s presence in public spaces and facilitating direct interaction between Rogers and the voters she seeks to earn.While a campaign finance report cannot reveal a candidate’s true intentions or guarantee future governance, it does offer insight into how a candidate allocates their resources and what their campaign prioritizes. She isn’t passively waiting for Kansans to find her; she is actively making an effort to connect to put People Over PoliticsWhat “People Over Politics” Means“People over politics” must be more than a campaign slogan. It must represent a commitment to prioritizing the lives and needs of Kansans above political parties, powerful donors, personal grudges, and the endless struggle for control.It means acknowledging that an individual’s worth is not diminished by their political affiliation or differing opinions. Governance is not about rewarding supporters and punishing opponents; a governor is responsible for serving every Kansan.Stacey and I hold different views on several significant issues, yet we share the belief that political disagreement does not lessen a person’s value. We agree that individuals should not suffer or be harmed simply for holding different beliefs, and that government should strive to improve their lives whenever possible.This fundamental agreement outweighs any of our disagreements because it provides a crucial starting point. If we cannot first agree on the inherent value and dignity of every person, there is no foundation for compromise, negotiation, or collaboration. We cannot hope to solve problems if we begin by treating those on the opposing side as enemies whose lives are inconsequential.We are not required to abandon our principles or downplay our disagreements. Instead, we must recognize that the people affected by political decisions are more important than prevailing in a political battle.This is what “people over politics” means to me, and it is the most vital point of agreement between Stacey Rogers and me.Stacey Rogers’ MessageRogers’ campaign emphasizes hard work and direct engagement, advocating for limited campaign spending. She believes candidates should meet voters directly, fostering more accurate judgments than advertisements or polished videos.Rogers traveled approximately 95,000 miles to nearly every Kansas town, visiting businesses, gas stations, cooperatives, and gathering places rather than just party events or county seats. She noted many Kansans, working or raising families, cannot attend political events. Rogers compared her approach to Joan Finney and Bob Dole, asserting that visiting communities should be the minimum expectation for statewide candidates.These conversations revealed a divide beyond Republican versus Democrat: “power and money against the people.” Rogers acknowledged disagreements but believes they can foster understanding and collaboration.Rogers cited proposed massive data centers as a bipartisan issue. She distinguished these from smaller, existing facilities, raising concerns about their impact on Kansas land, resources, and communities, especially when foreign companies are involved. Communities often lack the knowledge to question developers effectively.Her travels also highlighted the decline of small towns despite their value. This experience shaped her governance philosophy: owning a business doesn’t make her an expert in every industry. Without consulting those directly involved, she risks harmful decisions.Similarly, Rogers questioned over-reliance on paid lobbyists. She believes state leaders must speak directly with affected individuals and consider diverse information before deciding. She would apply this to state employees, refusing a “clean sweep” before assessing departmental functions and needs.Rogers described the Kansas Legislature as chaotic and divided, with political infighting, punishment, and power struggles wasting taxpayer money and lawmaker time. She would use the governor’s platform to expose misconduct and hold lawmakers accountable, arguing that blocking beneficial legislation as retaliation harms Kansans.Regarding education, Rogers believes Kansas has lost focus on preparing children for adulthood. As an employer, she’s observed graduates struggling with basic reading, spelling, and math, a cost employers and customers bear.Rogers acknowledged state overreach but noted it often follows years of local inaction. The question isn’t just if the state should intervene, but when it has a responsibility and whether its methods are appropriate. She criticized lawmakers for passing unenforced laws instead of addressing underlying problems, likening it to applying “Band-Aids” while issues worsen.Rogers stated her campaign accepts no PAC or special-interest money. Contributions come from small local Kansas businesses, not massive corporations. To maintain transparency, after receiving minor out-of-state contributions, she began specifying no large out-of-state donations. She questioned candidates spending campaign funds on out-of-state consultants or hotels when serving Kansas.Rogers leads by “getting into the trenches.” She rejected advice to delegate social media, believing that handling hostile online comments prepares a governor for criticism. Personal involvement forces her to answer difficult questions and refine her positions.Rogers believes politics overemphasizes conflict and underemphasizes collaboration. A governor must serve all Kansans. She would not abandon her morals or beliefs for support, but disagreement doesn’t diminish another’s value. She aims to improve lives wherever possible, even for those who disagree, while remaining honest about her identity and beliefs. Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation closes with voter education, local elections, and the value of a vote. Moreland says she has heard people say their vote does not count, but local elections matter more than people realize. Her final message is that voters should educate themselves, understand the value of their vote, and show up because state and local races can come down to very small margins.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.Moreland talks about money in politics and why voters should pay attention to where candidates get their campaign funding. She says her donations have come from people, not corporations, and that she does not want to be bought out. The conversation focuses on the risk that candidates who rely on PACs, parties, or large donors may start making decisions for those donors instead of ordinary voters.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section focuses on rural crisis, small towns, farm loss, and corporate ownership. The conversation covers unincorporated communities, rural areas losing resources, families watching generations of work get taken over, and the damage done when corporations with no connection to the land take control of places that used to be supported by local roots and local investment.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation turns to what happens when leaders make decisions without listening to the people affected. Moreland says that kind of leadership changes people’s lives without understanding the impact. The section connects that problem to public departments, state decisions, local communities, and the need to bring people to the table before decisions are made.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section looks at what it means to work within the system without becoming part of the problem. Moreland and the conversation focus on learning how government actually works, understanding what officials can do, and not accepting “there is nothing I can do” when elected leaders have tools and choices available to them.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.Moreland talks about why Kansas needs more everyday people in office. She says the Legislature needs people who are not lifetime politicians, millionaires, or insiders, but regular people willing to knock doors, listen, learn, and do the work. The conversation also covers why representatives should think about how their votes affect people across the whole state, not only their own district.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section focuses on homelessness in Parsons and Moreland’s work with the local homeless shelter. She says homelessness is a real issue in the community and argues that cities and counties need to play a more direct role in supporting shelters and human services instead of leaving small nonprofits to carry the entire burden through donations and grants.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation starts with a campaign update. When we last spoke she had no opposition, now she has a primary opponent, and hopefully will be facing the general opponent. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, I am confident Taylor is a rising figure in Southeastern Kansas political landscape and we all should be keeping an eye on her journey. See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Taylor Moreland is running in the primary for Kansas House District 7, a rural southeast Kansas district including Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities. In this follow-up conversation, Moreland discussed her campaign’s evolution since filing in September 2025, lessons learned meeting voters, and why she believes everyday people with real-life experience are essential in the Kansas Legislature.Initially, Moreland had no primary opponent. Now, she is engaged in an active primary, a process she describes as fun, meaningful, and rich with new connections. She stated that even if she were to lose, this would not be her last campaign, as the work holds too much significance. For Moreland, this campaign is about leveraging her existing experiences to a higher level to help more people.One of the first topics she addressed was her deeper understanding of the district’s rural and agricultural sectors. Moreland noted that she did not grow up in an agriculture-focused household but has come to appreciate that agriculture is the foundation of Kansas. She emphasized her commitment to learning about important issues, which has involved conversing with farmers and rural residents who offer a perspective different from her upbringing in Parsons.This led to an early theme of the conversation: lawmakers must be willing to understand issues beyond their direct experience. A state representative makes decisions not only for people who live exactly as they do but also votes on laws that affect Kansans across diverse communities, industries, and circumstances they may never have personally encountered. Moreland highlighted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the campaign has been listening to these varied perspectives, even when people share the same goal but differ on the approach.This point resurfaced when the discussion shifted to homelessness. Moreland acknowledged that Parsons experiences homelessness, though she wouldn’t describe it as a “huge problem” compared to larger cities. She serves as president of the local homeless shelter’s board, a role she takes pride in. Through this position, and her prior nonprofit work, she has witnessed the serious reality of the issue in her community.Moreland suggested that many people might not fully recognize homelessness when they see it. If individuals repeatedly observe the same people around town, part of what they are witnessing is that those individuals lack a permanent residence. Parsons is fortunate to have a direct local resource, she noted, as the community doesn’t always have to send people elsewhere for help. However, she also stressed that the shelter and other nonprofits cannot bear the entire burden alone.She compared Parsons to cities like Wichita, Kansas City, and Joplin, Missouri, where local governments play a much larger role in supporting homeless shelters. Moreland noted that in some communities, government support extends beyond occasional grants to year-round operational funding. In Parsons, while grants are helpful, a shelter quickly depletes them when caring for people and maintaining a facility.Moreland advocates for direct city and county involvement in addressing homelessness and human-service needs. She argues that relying solely on nonprofits for essential services is insufficient, as these services should not depend on small organizations scrambling for funds.The discussion shifted to the financial implications of criminalizing homelessness. Cities often spend substantial funds on policing, cleanups, and enforcement, which fail to solve the problem or house individuals. Moreland emphasized that communities already spend money on homelessness; the question is whether it’s on solutions or merely displacing the problem.Moreland believes local government must be part of the solution. Shelters need baseline funding, so additional fundraising can support extra services. Sheltering people should not depend solely on volunteers and small nonprofits.This led to a broader discussion about who should hold public office. Moreland observed that many lawmakers are not “everyday people” but come from political families, wealth, or professional political circles. She believes Kansas needs more individuals who have lived regular lives, engaged in hard work, and are willing to prove themselves directly to voters.Moreland highlighted young candidates nationwide who campaign actively, doing their own outreach and marketing. She personally made almost all the thousands of texts and calls for her own campaign, emphasizing that candidates must earn votes, and voters owe candidates nothing.For Moreland, a contested primary is crucial. Without opposition, voters might perceive a candidate as not having earned their position. A contested primary offers voters a choice and allows the candidate to demonstrate their ability to win support. Moreland’s motivation for running stems from her real-life experiences, which prompted her to question state laws and their authors’ understanding of the people they affect.This concern is particularly true for foster care. Moreland was frustrated by foster care laws and contacted legislators and the governor. Governor Laura Kelly sent the deputy secretary of DCF to meet with Moreland. Moreland described this conversation as the moment she realized how often those in power placate passionate individuals rather than genuinely listening and taking action.Moreland’s efforts extended beyond filing to run. She observed committee meetings, contacted the child welfare committee chair, and discussed the issue extensively. She believes advocacy doesn’t require being a lawmaker, but running for office elevates the work.The conversation also highlighted the importance of accessible communication. Moreland wants constituents to feel comfortable being authentic with her, not obligated to use formal language. She appreciates bluntness, even anger, as it signifies honesty. Elected officials, she believes, should interact with people as individuals.This theme extended to small farms and ranches. Moreland admitted she hadn’t fully grasped their struggles. Despite Kansas being agricultural, residents don’t necessarily consume local produce. She highlighted the significant impact of local schools being supplied by local farms. While cautioning against unfunded mandates, she believes Kansas could better support local food systems.The conversation connected grants, incentives, and tax breaks to community gardens, smaller food projects, and direct support for local producers. Moreland noted Kansas offers numerous incentives to large corporations but less to small farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. She emphasized that small farmers and ranchers are Kansas’s backbone and expressed concern about agricultural consolidation.This led to a broader discussion about corporations, wealthy interests, and the erosion of power in rural communities. When family farms and local businesses vanish, capital and connection to the land often disappear. Corporations, by contrast, may lack deep community roots or commitment to its well-being, potentially not prioritizing local schools, downtowns, grocery stores, or the community itself. Moreland agreed that declining local ownership significantly harms rural Kansas.The discussion then shifted to local leadership and community service. Moreland stated that, should she lose the primary, she would find solace in knowing she is already engaged in her passionate work. She is already active in civic service and community initiatives. For her, running for office is not a sudden foray into public service but an expansion of her existing work to a statewide level.Moreland outlined her campaign approach, committing to avoid personal attacks and engage in policy debates. She believes this is crucial because collaboration, even with opponents, is necessary to prevent legislative gridlock. She acknowledged disagreements with her Republican opponent but emphasized their ongoing dialogue and the need for coexistence.Moreland also stressed accountability. She believes individuals should evaluate candidates and officials by examining voting records, campaign finance, actions outside legislative sessions, willingness to hold town halls, constituent engagement, and openness to feedback. Leaders should involve people in decisions affecting their lives.This discussion stemmed from government decisions made without public consultation, such as a state department relocation that ignored employee input. Moreland noted that such decisions, often made by those unaware of the consequences, significantly impact people’s lives, highlighting a frustration that those in power frequently make decisions about others without truly listening.The conversation then shifted to the rural crisis, addressing farmer suicides, farm loss, and the burden of losing generational land. Moreland connected lawmakers’ decisions to these dire conditions, emphasizing how individuals often internalize blame for systemic problems. The loss of a family farm, for instance, represents more than a job; it signifies the dissolution of generations of labor, identity, and connection to the land.The discussion also covered unincorporated towns and small communities struggling to survive. Moreland admitted her prior misunderstanding of unincorporated towns, now recognizing how easily they lose resources and representation. These communities often lack essential amenities, direct services, or significant political attention, and their distant state representatives further dilute their representation, making their needs easy to overlook.This led back to corporate ownership. Historically, wealthy local landowners or business owners, often with family names tied to a town, had a degree of community connection, sometimes funding local improvements. However, when corporations with no community attachment acquire assets, money exits the community, leaving the town to struggle.Money in politics was a dominant theme. Participants emphasized voters must scrutinize campaign funding sources, as these often indicate a candidate’s priorities. Moreland agreed, stating a candidate’s willingness to accept money from specific sources is highly significant.Moreland expressed satisfaction that individuals have made her donations. She stated she couldn’t imagine soliciting funds from a PAC and has no desire to be beholden to corporations. For her, earning people’s votes is intrinsically linked to earning their support. A donation driven by belief in the campaign, she argued, holds a different meaning than accepting money from corporate interests or powerful developers who may later expect privileged access or influence.The conversation also covered how PAC money, corporate money, developer money, and donations from individuals with multiple LLCs can distort politics. A wealthy person might make donations through each entity, creating the appearance of scattered interests when the money is from a single source. This issue impacts city politics, particularly when developers have business before local government.Participants discussed Moreland’s primary opponent, a sitting city commissioner, in this context. The conversation focused on public service, time commitment, and accountability. Moreland expressed uncertainty about the legalities of someone serving in both roles but noted her opponent had stated he would resign his commission if elected. She emphasized that public service demands dedication, requiring officeholders to attend meetings and represent constituents.The discussion concluded by returning to themes of curiosity, openness, and the value of a vote. Participants portrayed Moreland as someone willing to maintain an open mind, educate herself, and make decisions independently, rather than simply following party lines. She agreed that before voting on an issue, she would seek to understand it thoroughly and ensure she genuinely supported it.Moreland’s final message to voters centered on participation. She acknowledged the sentiment that some people feel their vote doesn’t count, leading them not to register. However, she stressed that local elections are different. These races can be decided by small margins, making every vote far more impactful than people often realize.Moreland urged voters to understand the value of their vote, educate themselves, and choose candidates based on more than just party label, name recognition, or superficial impressions. When voters select someone, they empower that individual to make decisions on their behalf, a responsibility Moreland believes people should take seriously.Moreland’s candidacy is shaped by community work, foster care advocacy, homelessness initiatives, and rural discussions. She believes public office should be accessible to everyday people, positioning herself as a dedicated civic servant rather than a career politician.Her campaign is rooted in the idea that those closest to problems should participate in decision-making. This involves consulting people experiencing homelessness before allocating funds, learning from farmers and ranchers before crafting agricultural policy, supporting small communities, and scrutinizing campaign finance. She believes candidates must earn votes, as voters owe them nothing.For Moreland, Kansas House District 7deserves a representative who listens, learns, works collaboratively, and remains grounded in real-life experiences. The primary will determine if voters believe Moreland’s blend of lived experience, community service, and dedication to understanding the district’s diverse needs represents the leadership they want for rural southeast Kansas. Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.The conversation closes with accountability, Kansas history, and the kind of campaign Campsey is running. Campsey says he welcomes being held accountable and talks about loving Kansas, its history, its culture, and the possibility that the state can keep making history.The wrap-up also points voters toward the campaign and emphasizes the grassroots work behind it, from knocking doors to small-dollar donations for literature, thank-you cards, yard signs, and direct voter communication.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey and I talk about the possibility that 2026 could be a major year for political change in Kansas. The conversation connects the current moment to the 2022 abortion amendment vote, when Kansas shocked the country, and to the state’s long history of being at the center of national fights.Campsey brings up Bleeding Kansas, Brown v. Board, Prohibition, Carry Nation, and the Brownback experiment as examples of Kansas shaping the national conversation, for better or worse. His argument is that Kansas can be first again, but this time for the right reasons.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey and I talk about the possibility that 2026 could be a major year for political change in Kansas. The conversation connects the current moment to the 2022 abortion amendment vote, when Kansas shocked the country, and to the state’s long history of being at the center of national fights.Campsey brings up Bleeding Kansas, Brown v. Board, Prohibition, Carry Nation, and the Brownback experiment as examples of Kansas shaping the national conversation, for better or worse. His argument is that Kansas can be first again, but this time for the right reasons.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This section focuses on precinct committee positions and the missing foundation of grassroots party power. Campsey agrees that politics has too often become something people consume from the couch instead of something they participate in.He says politics is not a spectator sport. The conversation connects precinct work to community organizing, bottom-up party building, and the lesson from the Tea Party: long-term political change starts by filling local roles, building county parties, and creating a broad base of support.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey argues that this is a moment when the left has to put forward a real alternative for working people. He talks about the right trying to cement power, including through redistricting and attacks on democratic rights, and says institutions alone will not carry people through this political moment.The conversation connects that to the Kansas House supermajority, voter frustration, and the need to make the case directly to people. Campsey says an incumbent can be challenged at any time because public office belongs to voters, not to whoever currently holds the seat.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This clip focuses on the campaign’s ground game and what Campsey is hearing from voters. He says the campaign has knocked doors thousands of times, including going back through Democratic primary voters more than once, with volunteers helping every weekend and Campsey himself knocking several days a week.The issues he says voters are raising are familiar across Kansas: keeping a roof over their heads, keeping food on the table, healthcare, data centers, and the August 4 constitutional amendment. The conversation also looks at social media, online political energy, and the role of left voices in keeping pressure on the political conversation.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Here, Campsey explains why he decided to challenge the incumbent. He says the incumbent was elected in 2024, had worked as a lobbyist in Topeka before taking office, and had not yet faced what he considers a real race.Campsey frames the challenge as healthy for democracy. He says no one is entitled to a public seat, especially in a district where a candidate can become comfortable if voters are never given a serious choice. The conversation also connects his campaign to union support, working-class organizing, and Kansas’ longer populist history.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This section moves from District 10 into the broader question of organizing in places where voters often have few real choices. Campsey talks about the value of finding people in uncontested areas, talking with them, and building organizing capacity beyond the cities where Democratic infrastructure is already stronger.The conversation also turns to rural organizing, democratic socialism, popular resistance, rallies, May Day, and the gap between the energy people are showing in the streets and the response coming from elected leaders. Campsey argues that Kansas needs leaders who stand with that popular movement.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.The conversation opens with TJ Campsey introducing the district and the message behind his campaign. Campsey talks about southeastern Lawrence as a city district and describes District 10 as one of the most progressive districts in Kansas.He connects his campaign’s Free State message to the need for bold solutions for working-class people. Rather than settling for weaker demands to win support from moderate Republicans, Campsey says the moment calls for candidates willing to put forward a clear working-class vision.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 10 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#kansas #lawrence #jayhawks #primary #vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

TJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4 Democratic primary. The southeastern Lawrence district offers fertile ground for his bold working-class message. Campsey rejects weak solutions and refuses to wait for moderate Republicans to agree. He believes this political moment demands something stronger.Campsey argues that Democrats should not weaken their demands to appeal to moderates. He points to socialist and left candidates winning across the country as evidence that voters want working-class politics. He also believes Democratic leaders missed the opportunity created by Bernie Sanders and pulled the party back toward a status quo that continues to fail working people.His campaign looks beyond one candidate and one election. Campsey wants Democrats to organize in places where the party rarely competes. Even without strong Democratic infrastructure, those districts may have union members, NAACP members, League of Women Voters members, progressive organizations, and pro-democracy groups ready to build local power.Volunteers drive Campsey’s campaign. His team recorded 4,000 door knocks, including repeat visits to Democratic primary voters. At least six volunteers regularly canvassed on weekends, while Campsey knocked doors four or five times a week. Voters raised concerns about housing, food costs, healthcare, data centers, and the constitutional amendment on the August 4 ballot.Campsey said District 10 voters also oppose attacks on democratic rights, human rights, and trans Kansans. Lawrence residents have repeatedly joined No Kings, Hands Off, May Day, and International Workers Day rallies. Campsey decided to run because he believes elected leaders should stand with those movements instead of waiting until resistance becomes politically convenient.He also criticized the incumbent’s path to office. Although she has served only since 2024, Campsey noted that she spent much of her previous career as a Topeka lobbyist. He argued that political connections and a weakly contested race helped her reach office. In his view, this primary represents her first real electoral test.Campsey rejects the idea that anyone owns a public office. The seat belongs to District 10 voters, and competitive races force candidates to make their case. Without challengers, safe seats can produce comfort, entitlement, and complacency.His working-class agenda includes a Democratic Bill of Rights, a Labor Bill of Rights, and a public housing trust. Campsey does not want Democrats to introduce bills, lose to the Republican majority, and return home saying they tried. He wants to build a multiracial, multigenerational, and gender-diverse coalition capable of pressuring lawmakers across Kansas.Campsey believes District 10 can “raise the banner” for the rest of the state. His campaign’s Free State message draws from Bleeding Kansas and the populist movement. He argues that organized Kansans have shaped national politics before and can do it again.Campsey also believes elected officials should not block constituents who raise legitimate questions or criticism. Public officials must distinguish bad-faith trolls from people seeking answers. Social media may reward conflict, but elected leaders still owe their constituents good-faith engagement.He sees an opportunity to break the Republican supermajority as divisions weaken the MAGA coalition, particularly since the Iran war began. However, Campsey warned that dissatisfaction alone will not create change. Republicans continue trying to protect their power through mid-decade redistricting and other measures. Democrats must turn public frustration into organized action.That work includes rebuilding the party from the precinct level. Campsey said too many people consume politics through television, podcasts, and social media instead of participating. He supports filling precinct committee positions, building relationships between elections, and organizing communities from the bottom up. He points to the Tea Party’s takeover of precinct, county, and state party structures as proof that grassroots organizing can reshape political power.Kansas voters have already shown that the state can defy national expectations. In 2022, they rejected the abortion amendment after Roe fell. Campsey connects that vote to a longer history that includes Bleeding Kansas, Brown v. Board of Education, prohibition, Carry Nation, and the Brownback experiment. Kansas has often shown the country what comes next. He wants it to lead for the right reasons.Campsey described the Statehouse as the people’s house and called for balance and respect in the building. He also warned that placing major constitutional questions on primary ballots can backfire when voters understand what is at stake, as it did with the abortion amendment.He wants government to include the people affected by its decisions. Officials often reorganize departments, move funding, or write policies without consulting the workers and communities who understand the consequences. Campsey wants workers, union members, and affected communities involved from the beginning.He values policy expertise but rejects using jargon and professional credentials to keep regular people outside government. Experts can explain how policy works, but working people must help decide what government does. The Legislature needs people who understand how its decisions shape everyday life.Campsey acknowledged that governing requires compromise, but he drew a firm line at compromising core values. He welcomed accountability and said voters should hold his feet to the fire. That commitment reflects his broader argument that public office belongs to the people, not the politicians who hold it.Campsey closed by describing his love for Kansas, its history, and its overlooked beauty. He believes the state can make history again by organizing working people, challenging complacency, breaking one-party control, and building a government that answers to its residents.The conversation presented Campsey as a left-wing candidate focused on practical organizing. His campaign combines bold proposals with door knocking, volunteer recruitment, community partnerships, precinct organizing, and direct challenges to entrenched power. His message is simple: the working class will fight when given something real to fight for, and District 10 can help lead that fight. Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.The closing section focuses on accountability, campaign money, and who elected officials actually work for. Preu says the people of the district should be the boss, not the party and not the donor list, and the conversation closes with the message to vote for Sarah Preu and vote no on Amendment 1.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.This section digs into party politics, Citizens United, corporate money, AIPAC, ICE votes, Israel, Gaza, and what bipartisanship is actually being used for. Preu says the issue is not whether a vote is bipartisan, but what a candidate chooses to cross the aisle for and whether they are willing to answer to constituents afterward.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.This section focuses on activists who have been warning about surveillance, policing, immigration enforcement, and state power for decades. Preu talks about seeing older progressive activists and young organizers in the same room, with the same energy, and says that connection across generations made her hopeful.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.In this section, Preu lays out why she supports abolishing ICE. She says the agency has not existed for very long, was considered redundant when it was created, and has become a public safety issue because of dangerous raids, chases, shootings, and aggressive enforcement over paperwork issues.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.This section gets into why Preu is challenging Sharice Davids in the Democratic primary. Preu says democracy means she can run, and she argues that voters should not be told to be grateful for a blue seat when the votes, money, and policy choices do not match the values of the people being represented.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Here, Preu talks about moments when she confronted powerful political figures directly. She describes telling Sam Brownback that limiting Medicaid was a disappointment and later giving a campaign speech in front of Kris Kobach where she talked about abolishing ICE and ending civil-rights abuses.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.This section focuses on healthcare, Medicaid, and the cost of leaving people uninsured. Preu argues that people are already paying for care through cost-shifting, bad debt, and rising healthcare prices, and says Medicare for All would be a more direct and predictable way to make sure people can get care.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.In this section, Preu talks about being the only daughter in a family of five children and learning advocacy from her mother, who went back to school, became a social worker, and brought Preu into the reality of poverty many people never see. One memory that stayed with her was helping a family living in an abandoned apartment complex in KCK without electricity or running water.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #midterms #primaryelection #vote #progressive Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is running for Kansas 3rd Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.The opening section introduces Sarah Preu and begins with the question of whether she knows what it is like to not have one more penny. Preu talks about growing up in a working-poor family outside Leavenworth, her parents working multiple jobs, and her own experience working full time while going through college.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #KS03 #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Preu is competing in the Democratic primary for Kansas 3rd Congressional District against the incumbent Sharice Davids. The conversation began with the question I ask every candidate: do you know what it is like to not have one more penny?Preu initially joked about the “penny crisis” and the signs that said exact change only, but once the question was clarified to mean being destitutely broke, short at the register, needing someone to Venmo a dollar, or not having enough to cover a fee or rent, she answered yes. She mentioned that she has experienced that situation multiple times in life.Preu shared her upbringing in a working-poor household outside Leavenworth. She grew up with five siblings, making a total of seven people in a small house of about 1,000 square feet. Both her parents worked two jobs, with her dad juggling two full-time jobs for several years during her childhood. This meant she only saw him briefly in the morning and for a short time at night when he was not sleeping.During the last three years of college, Preu worked full-time, including a job with the Student Emergency Loan Fund at the University of Minnesota, a nonprofit that offered millions of dollars in low-interest emergency loans for students. She described it as a crash course in understanding poverty for young adults trying to survive and pursue their aspirations.Students would come in needing money for books while waiting for financial aid to be processed. Some students were homeless and required assistance to pay rent. Preu highlighted the program’s low default rate, emphasizing that poor individuals utilize necessary programs responsibly and are trustworthy. This early advocacy work had a lasting impact on her.The conversation shifted to Preu’s family and the lessons she learned from her mother. Preu, the only daughter and second to last of five children, shared that due to her mother’s extensive work hours, she often took on the role of “default mom” in the household. Her mother returned to college while working full time and attending night classes when Preu was in seventh grade.During Preu’s junior and senior years of high school, she and her mother took community college classes together, including Composition I and II. Her mother went on to become the first woman in her family to graduate with a higher education degree. Two weeks later, Preu also graduated from the University of Minnesota. Her mother pursued a career in social work, obtained her MSW from KU, and became an LMSW.Preu said that everything she learned about advocacy, she learned from her mom. She described being the child of a social worker as being “deputized” to go help. Her mother worked with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, and Preu saw poverty in Leavenworth, Kansas City, Kansas, and surrounding areas that she believes many people in the district would be shocked by.One memory that stayed with her was going with her mother to take diapers, formula, and bottled water to a family living in an abandoned apartment complex in Kansas City, Kansas. The landlord had let the complex go to foreclosure. There was no electricity and no running water. Children were running around, and the people living there knew her mother by name. Preu said her mother did not lock her car in those neighborhoods because she was family there. She was trusted because she advocated for the most vulnerable people in society.That led into a broader discussion about poverty, fear, and how people are kept working under threat. We discussed how people are often taught that things could always be worse, and how the existence of extreme poverty and homelessness can become a warning to everyone else: keep working, keep obeying, keep moving, or that could be you. The conversation was not just about personal hardship. It was about the way poverty is maintained as a social and political tool.The discussion turned to basic necessities and the fact that the country has the money to meet them. Healthcare became the clearest example. Preu said that when people ask who will pay for healthcare, the answer is that we are already paying for it. Under federal emergency care requirements, hospitals cannot simply turn people away, but the care still costs money. When people are uninsured, the system absorbs the cost through bad debt, higher prices, and cost-shifting. In other words, people are already paying for the lack of a universal system, but they are paying for it in the least predictable and least effective way.Preu argued that Medicare for All would make those costs more predictable and more rational. She pointed to Medicare as proof that the model works, especially because Medicare can negotiate in ways the broader healthcare system often does not. The conversation also turned to Kansas refusing to expand Medicaid, even though most of the money would have come from the federal government. Preu called that refusal “bonkers.” The point was simple: Kansas rejected help because of politics, not because people did not need healthcare.That brought up one of Preu’s stories about speaking truth to power. She said she once had the opportunity to tell Sam Brownback to his face what a disappointment he was. It happened at a nonpolitical event in Arkansas during the first Trump administration. Brownback was with his family and wearing a bucket hat. Preu waited until the event was ending and people were filtering out, then spoke to him directly.She told him she was disappointed in him and, because he is Catholic, asked whether he thought the Pope agreed with denying people healthcare by limiting Medicaid. She said he became awkward and tried to deflect, but she knew what Catholic teaching said. Preu said she lives for making powerful people have those awkward moments when they are confronted with the consequences of what they support.The conversation then shifted to another moment where Preu spoke directly in front of power. She described being at a NAACP candidate forum where Kris Kobach was in the back of the room. She delivered her stump speech in front of him and discussed abolishing ICE, ending ICE, and how ICE abuses civil rights. She mentioned feeling good saying that while Kobach had to stand there and listen because she sees him as someone who facilitated much of that politics in Kansas.This led into a broader discussion about respect for power. Preu mentioned that this country is not technically supposed to have an aristocracy, even though it can appear like one when political offices and Senate seats appear to pass through family connections and insider networks. She connected that directly to why she is running. Her point was that democracy still allows a regular person to run. She can file, campaign, and voters can choose someone else.The conversation then revolved around the central question of the race: why primary Sharice Davids? Preu mentioned that the campaign is not about creating a professional wrestling match or making the entire race about Davids personally. For her, the campaign is about a flawed framework for representing people and working people in government. She argued that Citizens United, donor influence, and the career-politician model have made it harder for legislators to have real independence. Preu mentioned she already has a career as a technology director and is not seeking politics as a way to make a living. She is running because she does not see the urgency that this political moment requires from career politicians.Preu discussed how she once thought she aligned with her representative’s values, but the more she delved into the record, the more concerned she became. She pointed out Davids never signing on to Medicare for All as one example of something she viewed as fundamental. Then she saw votes and money she found troubling. She mentioned she began to realize she may be more progressive than she had understood, or that the representative she thought reflected her values did not actually reflect them.The conversation focused on the Democratic Party’s emphasis on bipartisanship and moderation. Preu noted that bipartisanship is often seen as a gold standard for Democrats, while the other side prioritizes appeasing or distracting its base without concern for bipartisanship. She argued that this excessive focus on bipartisanship has driven parts of the Democratic base further from the center, as voters seek contrast rather than a diluted set of values.Preu clarified that she does not automatically reject bipartisanship, emphasizing that the key factor is what the bipartisanship aims to achieve. She highlighted the importance of the values communicated when representatives reach across the aisle, particularly on moral issues. She mentioned votes and stances related to ICE, arms sales to Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza, ceasefire calls, and the lack of a robust public response to constituents organizing around these matters.She stressed that simply citing a reason for a vote is insufficient, as there is always a rationale behind decisions. The crucial aspect is whether the reasoning aligns with the well-being of those impacted by the vote. She pointed to the fears of children with parents facing immigration enforcement and the devastating consequences of U.S.-supplied arms worldwide to underscore the human toll of political choices.Preu highlighted how voters and activists have urged Davids to take stances on ICE, support their causes, and endorse ceasefire efforts. Drawing from her involvement in activist circles, she emphasized that if an elected official fails to engage with constituents via calls, emails, meaningful responses, or town hall meetings, the options for constituents become limited. She expressed gratitude that democracy still allows people to pursue alternative choices by registering, paying filing fees, and presenting voters with additional options.Additionally, the conversation touched on the challenges faced by progressives within the Democratic Party who quietly back Preu. She noted that many long-suffering progressives express support for her behind closed doors but hesitate to display signs or bumper stickers due to fear of backlash. This reluctance reflects the pressures within the party and the establishment’s efforts to shield incumbents.We discussed the theory that the Tea Party gained control of the Republican Party through precinct committee seats, county positions, and the party foundation, while progressives mainly attempted to influence from the outside and elect progressive candidates without fully seizing the Democratic Party structure. As a result, Democratic leadership often focused more on resisting a progressive takeover than on countering the growing far right. Preu concurred with this analysis.The conversation then shifted to unaffiliated voters and individuals changing their registration to participate in primaries. Preu mentioned that unaffiliated voters have approached her, stating they switched to the Democratic Party specifically to vote for her. She also shared that members of her volunteer group typically identify as unaffiliated, but when there is a compelling candidate in a primary, they temporarily affiliate.This led to a broader discussion on the current political landscape’s unpredictability and peculiarity. The world has changed significantly in the past two years, with shifts in people’s affiliations and movements. Since the pandemic, Kansas has experienced an influx of residents from other states seeking affordable housing, quality schools, and a more peaceful lifestyle. Preu noted similar trends in the 3rd District, emphasizing the importance of effective governance to maintain Kansas’ positive attributes.Preu suggested that demographic changes and recent cultural and political upheavals may be driving more individuals towards a progressive viewpoint. This segued into a compelling segment of the conversation centered on the topic of abolishing ICE.She argued that the “abolish ICE” stance is not as contentious as establishment Democrats often portray it to be. Highlighting ICE’s relatively recent establishment and redundant nature within the Department of Homeland Security, she viewed abolishing ICE as a reasonable proposal given the shift in public opinion. Preu emphasized that polling data indicates a significant portion of independents support this sentiment, even though interpretations may vary.Her case against ICE was not solely moral but also focused on public safety concerns. She criticized ICE enforcement practices as posing risks to public health and safety. She cited instances of agents firing into crowded areas, targeting vehicles with children inside, trapping families in cars, harming individuals with legal documentation, initiating high-speed pursuits, conducting roadside detentions, and escalating bureaucratic issues into hazardous public incidents. She underscored that such enforcement actions impact everyone, regardless of their stance on ICE, as all individuals utilize the same public spaces.Preu stated that current immigration enforcement is reckless and lawless. She described overstaying a visa or having paperwork problems as being treated with an absurd level of force. The conversation framed the issue as a manufactured problem that can be lucrative for some people. The solution discussed was not chaos or open disorder but shifting funds away from ICE and toward processing people — immigration courts, judges, paperwork, asylum processes, and the systems needed to determine who can come here and how.This led into a broader discussion of post-9/11 politics. We discussed how much was passed when the country was afraid, and how leftists, anarchists, communists, socialists, and progressives had warned for years that the country was building mass surveillance and domestic enforcement structures. At the time, they were dismissed as paranoid. Now, many of those warnings appear less extreme.Preu connected this to older activists and how much they have carried for decades. She described being in a room with a progressive group in the district, many of them in their 60s and 70s, alongside young people in their late teens and early 20s. She saw the same energy on both sides of the age spectrum, giving her hope because older activists possess knowledge, history, and organizing skills, while younger people bring new methods and energy.Preu mentioned that the older activists she learned from in her own early twenties were often the most radical and committed. They were the ones getting arrested, teaching younger activists how to build coalitions, unite people, and exercise their First Amendment rights to create a better world. She has been an activist and community builder for 25 to 30 years, even if some party insiders in Johnson County may not be aware of her.She discussed protesting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, demonstrating against the death penalty, and participating in a coalition to abolish the death penalty. Her father, a Vietnam combat veteran, joined her in protesting the early Iraq War buildup and recognized the weapons-of-mass-destruction argument as false. The conversation reflected how leftists had warned from the beginning that those wars would be lengthy, and they were proven correct.The discussion then shifted to Gen Z and even the oldest members of Gen Alpha. We talked about how younger people are often accused of being disengaged, when in reality many of them are engaged but do not see anyone worth voting for. Preu immediately agreed with that point. The argument was that young people are not necessarily apathetic; they are often waiting for candidates who actually speak to the world they are living in.Preu mentioned that she has tried to be transparent about her platform, her issues, and why she is running. Her campaign, as she described it, is drawing together older activists, younger activists, long-time progressives, people frustrated with the Democratic Party, unaffiliated voters, and people who want the option to vote their conscience.Campaign finance was discussed, with Preu making it clear that she would not accept AIPAC money. She stated a preference for GiveButter due to its party independence, although she does maintain an ActBlue account for donors who only contribute through ActBlue. Despite this, she chooses to publish the GiveButter donation link, emphasizing independence from party structures and donor influence. Preu noted that GiveButter can be utilized by progressive campaigns, with candidates needing to customize it to comply with FEC requirements.The conversation transitioned to a lighter yet insightful topic regarding Gen X. Preu remarked that Gen X individuals are self-sufficient, having grown up before the internet became mainstream. She described them as adept DIYers, capable of making do with limited resources. This upbringing instilled a “make do” mentality in Preu, shaping her approach to her campaign and her willingness to operate outside traditional party frameworks.Additionally, the discussion touched upon Kansas voters more broadly. The focus was on the “average Kansas voter,” often depicted as a middle-aged white woman, and how this demographic influenced the failure of the 2022 abortion amendment. Preu highlighted a unique Kansas Republican trend where individuals, though functionally independent, align themselves with the Republican Party to influence its politics. She underscored the potential for Republicans to be more open to alternative political choices than commonly assumed by the Democratic leadership.Preu refuted the notion that voters are swayed by legislation like the Laken Riley Act or increased arms sales to Israel. She argued against the belief that bipartisanship alone motivates voters to support Democrats, questioning why moderate Republicans wouldn’t suffice if voters seek moderation. Preu emphasized the necessity for Democrats to offer compelling reasons for voter engagement.Furthermore, Preu challenged the effectiveness of establishment strategists in winning elections. She raised questions about why Kansas has maintained only one Democratic congressional seat for eight years and struggled to expand its presence in other districts. She questioned the leadership’s ability, pointing out the lack of Democratic U.S. House representation beyond District 3 and the continued Republican dominance in the Kansas Legislature.The conversation focused on Sharice Davids and the issue of politicians saying one thing and doing another. The critique was not about a single disagreement but about voters being tired of politicians making promises, campaigning on one message, and then governing in another way. The need for elected officials to keep the promises they make or provide real explanations when they change position after learning more was discussed.Preu agreed that if a representative changes course on a serious issue, they should meet with constituents, send out a statement, and give people the chance to voice disappointment directly. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, criticizing the lack of town halls and failure to offer virtual town halls.The conversation highlighted what sets Preu’s campaign apart. She emphasized the discipline gained from years of real-world work and the belief that constituents are the true bosses. Contrasting this with politicians who seem accountable to their party or donors, the discussion linked campaign finance to accountability. Preu’s preference for GiveButter over AIPAC money reflects her goal of building a campaign independent from party control and major donor influence.The conversation concluded with a clear argument for Preu’s campaign. She is running to offer the people of Kansas 3rd Congressional District a different kind of Democrat: more progressive, direct, and willing to challenge power, ICE, and support policies like Medicare for All. Preu sees herself as accountable to the district’s voters rather than the party or donors.In the upcoming August Democratic primary for Kansas’s 3rd Congressional District, voters will choose between the incumbent and a progressive challenger, Preu. Her campaign urges voters to vote based on their values, reject fear-mongering tactics, and determine whether representation should prioritize the district’s residents or cater to party and donor interests that often dictate what voters should settle for. 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Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe conversation here focuses on who lawmakers are really fighting for. Woody argues that too many Republican representatives are not personally struggling with groceries or property taxes, and the discussion moves into party pressure, working-class identity, and why Kansas needs more balance in Topeka.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe final section focuses on what it would mean to have an active high school teacher in the Kansas House. Woody says he plans to keep teaching in the fall and take leave during session, and the conversation connects teaching to constituent work, parents, broken systems, and public education.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsIn this section, the conversation turns to speech and debate, active listening, public speaking, and the sacrifice of running for office. Woody talks about being a teacher on summer break while campaigning and how much time campaigning requires.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods.The conversation here focuses on who actually gets represented in Topeka. Woody says working-class people, Black Kansans, queer Kansans, and other marginalized communities need more people in office who understand those experiences directly.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThis section breaks down how to explain the Kansas House supermajority in plain language. Woody says candidates need to connect the issue to people’s direct pain, including prescription costs, property taxes, healthcare costs, and housing costs.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe discussion turns to voter registration, unaffiliated voters, people leaving Kansas, and the stakes of this election year. Woody and Kansas Helen talk about why state politics matter for people who are deciding whether Kansas is still safe for them and their families.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods..This section lays out Woody’s reason for running. He says he is running to win, to keep fighting for working-class people, and to make sure communication with constituents does not end after campaign season.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods..In this section, the conversation turns from neighborhood life to the way politics shows up in everyday needs. Woody talks about raising a toddler in a neighborhood full of young kids and connects sidewalks, schools, and child safety to the decisions made by local and state government.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods.This opening section introduces Woody and House District 31. He explains that the district is entirely in Kansas City, Kansas and includes Rosedale and Argentine, then talks about why he and his wife intentionally chose to live in Wyandotte County.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Eli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4 Democratic primary. District 31, located in Kansas City, Kansas, includes the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods. Woody described the district as “solidly Kansas City, Kansas,” differentiating it from districts that span multiple cities, counties, or rural areas. Although not originally from the district, Woody and his wife intentionally moved to Wyandotte County. He hails from Topeka, and his wife is from Baldwin City. He cited their shared roots in northeast Kansas and his father’s family’s historical ties to Wyandotte County, which he characterized as “diverse, working-class, genuine, down-to-earth, and full of history.” Woody highlighted how Wyandotte County is often overlooked or underestimated, drawing a parallel to how places like Kansas City, Kansas, and Topeka are sometimes discussed by those who do not truly understand them. Woody’s campaign is founded on the belief that communities like his deserve direct representation, free from outside assumptions. Community emerged as an early theme. Woody spoke about living in a neighborhood where several nearby homes, including his own, have young children. He emphasized the value of families supporting each other and building community with neighbors, immediately connecting this to politics.For Woody, politics is inseparable from daily life. He used sidewalks as an example: if children walk to elementary school and there are no sidewalks, that constitutes a political issue impacting their safety and whether basic needs are met. He noted that even those who claim not to follow politics are affected by political decisions daily. This idea permeated the rest of the conversation. Issues were consistently linked to real life: sidewalks, schools, rent, groceries, property taxes, healthcare, safety, and whose voices are heard in Topeka.A core tenet of Woody’s message is representation. He argued that the most effective way to protect working-class people, marginalized communities, Black Kansans, queer Kansans, and other groups losing rights is to elect more individuals who genuinely come from those communities. He stated that working-class people have waited “forever” for wealthy and privileged politicians to advocate for them, to no avail. Similarly, he noted that Black Kansans and queer Kansans have also waited for sufficient political representation.Woody, who is Black and queer, is the only person of color remaining in the race for District 31. He finds this significant because the district is diverse, with a large Latino population. The current representative, a Latino man, is retiring after over 20 years. Woody argues that representatives should reflect the district’s demographics and lived experiences for people to see themselves reflected in government.He connected this to the phrase “for the people, by the people,” stating that “by the people” should mean representatives genuinely come from their communities, not just that voters cast a ballot. Woody believes Kansans should be led by people who understand them, not solely by wealthy or insulated politicians. Woody is running to win and, upon reaching the State House, wants to continue fighting for working-class people and champion the retiring representative’s causes. He described himself as loud, direct, and committed to working-class Kansans.As a high school English and public speaking teacher, communication is a key promise. He believes communication is about relationships, not just polished speeches, which has driven him to knock on over 1,500 doors. He plans to listen to constituents, bring their concerns to the State House, and then explain the outcomes. Woody’s ideal role when the Legislature is not in session is to be back on people’s porches, discussing legislative outcomes, his voting record, and whether constituents feel well-represented. He plans to use mail, social media, door-knocking, and in-person conversations to maintain communication after the election, arguing that effective representation requires staying in touch long after votes are counted.Regarding winning, Woody acknowledged District 31 is heavily Democratic, with Republicans often losing by significant margins or not running. However, he emphasizes meeting voters face-to-face, noting that some voters told him he was the only candidate they had seen at their door, which he believes makes a difference. The discussion explored the rise of unaffiliated voters and the potential exodus of Democrats and marginalized Kansans from the state. Woody highlighted that state laws making people feel unsafe could prompt them to leave Kansas, particularly marginalized individuals seeking safer areas.This led to a broader conversation about the stakes in Kansas politics for those considering departure if the government becomes more hostile towards queer, disabled, neurodivergent, and other marginalized communities. Woody agreed that many are currently assessing Kansas’s viability as a safe place to live. Participants introduced the August 4 amendment concerning elections for Kansas Supreme Court justices as part of this political context. They emphasized informing unaffiliated voters of their eligibility to vote on this crucial amendment, urging participation even from those disillusioned or disinclined to vote in every race.Woody expressed readiness for the political fight. The conversation then shifted to the Kansas House supermajority and how candidates should explain its significance to the public. Woody noted that while political insiders understand its implications, many voters do not. He stressed the need to simplify this concept, linking it to the common understanding that political dysfunction arises when one side holds enough power to act unilaterally, bypassing debate or compromise. Woody asserted that true debate is absent because the controlling party is not compelled to listen. In Kansas, he argued, the Republican supermajority allows uncompromising Republicans to pass legislation without engaging Democrats. He suggested that removing some unyielding Republicans is necessary to restore genuine debate.The discussion then focused on making the supermajority’s impact tangible for voters. The central point was that if the Legislature could pass bills targeting transgender Kansans, it also had the power to address critical issues like property taxes, prescription costs, healthcare, and housing. Woody advised candidates engaging Republican and unaffiliated voters to ask if their representatives are actively working to make prescriptions or property taxes more affordable. If costs are spiraling, especially for those on fixed incomes, voters should question their representatives’ priorities.Woody argued that the message should directly address people’s financial struggles. He believed that soaring costs for essentials like insulin, asthma medication, housing, healthcare, rent, groceries, and property taxes should be the starting point of any conversation. He contended that these problems persist because the supermajority faces no pressure to negotiate. Losing Republican unchecked control would force them to engage with the opposition and account for spiraling costs.The topic of working-class representation arose again when Woody pointed out that many Republican representatives do not personally struggle with grocery bills or property taxes. He argued that numerous lawmakers lack the lived experience of constituents facing economic hardship, making them less likely to champion working-class causes.The discussion also explored party control. Woody stated that Republican lawmakers can face internal party punishment for not adhering to leadership’s voting preferences, including losing privileges like parking passes. This led to a broader conversation about balance. The ultimate goal was not to replace one unchecked supermajority with another, but to achieve a Legislature that truly reflects Kansas.Kansas was characterized as more purple than red, with Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters all constituting significant portions of the electorate. The conversation emphasized that Topeka should mirror this diverse mix. The participants discussed representation not only in terms of political party but also race, class, ethnicity, and lived experience. Woody agreed that Kansas needs greater representation from currently underrepresented communities in the State House.Toward the end, the conversation shifted to public speaking, active listening, and the sacrifices inherent in campaigning. The participants highlighted Woody’s background in speech and debate as a strength, describing him as someone who actively listens, processes information thoroughly, and responds directly to the conversation rather than simply reciting pre-prepared answers. Woody championed speech and debate as an invaluable skill.The conversation also acknowledged the inherent challenges of public speaking and the extensive demands placed on candidates. Campaigning, door-knocking, attending events, answering questions, fundraising, and maintaining constant availability can consume a candidate’s life. Woody was on summer break from teaching during the campaign, but he clarified that summer is not simply leisure time for teachers; it is time they reclaim after dedicating far more hours than typically assumed during the school year.This naturally transitioned into a discussion about teacher workload and compensation. Teachers often work well over 40 hours a week, dedicate time outside the classroom to preparation, communicate extensively with parents, and may still require second jobs or additional work during breaks. The conversation underscored the illogical disparity, pointing out that teachers with degrees and years of experience might earn a similar income to legislators, despite teaching being a full-time and emotionally demanding profession.Woody plans to teach in the fall and take leave during the spring legislative session, believing active teachers are crucial in the State House. He argues that active public school teachers offer a distinct perspective due to their current immersion in the system.He emphasized this point, noting he teaches five out of seven periods, with approximately 30 students per class, totaling around 150 students each semester. He communicates with many parents and guardians, joking he already has “constituents.” This comparison highlights how teaching—through constant communication, listening, negotiation, explanation, and collaboration—has prepared him for representation.Woody stated that public education has prepared him to work in one “broken system” because he already works in another. This aligns with his campaign message: he is not an outsider but someone working within stretched, underfunded, and difficult-to-navigate systems.The conversation presented Woody as a working-class candidate, a teacher, a person of color, a queer Kansan, and someone who views representation as more than a title. His core argument is that those experiencing problems firsthand should be present during decision-making. He wants District 31 to have a representative who remains engaged long after election season.His closing message announced his candidacy for Kansas House District 31 in KCK (Rosedale and Argentine). He directed people to woodyforkansas.com and mentioned he is actively knocking on doors. Acknowledging his dislike for campaign “money games,” he stressed that small donations help cover literature, thank-you cards, yard signs, and voter communication.The central theme was that Kansas politics should be more connected to its people. Woody discussed issues like sidewalks, public schools, prescriptions, property taxes, healthcare, housing, marginalized people leaving Kansas, and working-class individuals being ignored by lawmakers who don’t share their struggles. His campaign is built on the belief that District 31 deserves a present, communicative, and community-rooted representative. 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Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.The final marker looks at the current political climate in Kansas. The conversation covers the number of Democratic and Republican primaries, the rise in unaffiliated voters, and the possibility that Kansans are shifting away from party labels.Wiederaenders also talks about the difference between national frustrations with Democrats and the local Democrats she knows in the Kansas State House. She says she has always wanted to be in politics, but only when the time, place, and responsibility made sense. For District 30, she says that time is now.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.In this section, Wiederaenders talks about Republican messaging in District 30 and what she is seeing from Laura Williams’ campaign. She says Williams is trying to present herself as a free thinker and using images with Democratic figures, but Wiederaenders argues the legislative record still matters.The conversation also covers the Republican supermajority, bathroom bills, midnight votes, gut-and-go tactics, lack of public comment, and the need to bring balance back to the Kansas State House.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.Voters are raising property taxes, and Wiederaenders says the issue is complicated. She does not want people taxed out of their homes, but she also points out that property taxes help fund schools.The conversation covers school funding, unfunded mandates, the danger of abolishing property taxes without a replacement, and how tax abatements, incentives, and economic development deals can shift costs back onto everyday taxpayers.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.This part of the interview follows Wiederaenders’ political journey through Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco. She tells the story of having repeated dreams about San Francisco, buying a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, and ending up in San Francisco after a stranger she had met online offered her a ride.She says San Francisco became a place where she found political work, mentors, organizations, and a deeper understanding of how complicated government can be.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.Here, Wiederaenders walks through her political background. She talks about studying political science and international studies at Kansas State University, helping Barbara Bollier, spending time in Washington, D.C., and working in Claire McCaskill’s office.She says constituent services taught her how important it is to listen seriously to people, especially older residents in rural communities who were worried about jobs, the mail, medicine, and young people leaving. She also talks about campaign work and why she believes candidates should understand what they are getting into before running.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.In this marker, Wiederaenders explains why she decided to run for Kansas House District 30. She says she thought about running two years ago but held back because she was caring for her grandmother, who is now 103.She says the same situation came up again, with people struggling to find a candidate for the district, and she realized it was time. Wiederaenders also talks about her frustration with the Kansas Legislature, the obsession with trans people, attacks on reproductive rights, underfunded schools, the environment, and families being ignored.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.This section focuses on the cost of doing work that helps people. Wiederaenders and Kansas Helen talk about nonprofit work, government work, early childhood education, childcare, and politics.The conversation also covers the way care-based work is undervalued, how work coded as women’s work is often expected to be done for free or very little pay, and how families have lost some of the support systems that used to help people raise children.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.The opening of the conversation introduces Wiederaenders, Kansas House District 30, and the Democratic primary field. She explains that the district includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee, and talks about running against Tyler Holmes and Zachary Hawkins for the chance to face Republican incumbent Laura Williams.She also answers the one-more-penny question by talking about having been homeless and about the financial reality of choosing a life in politics without selling out.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 30 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:https://protectkansasrights.org/#Kansas #2026elections #2026Primary #ksleg #Vote Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4 Democratic primary against Tyler Holmes and Zachary Hawkins. The winner will face Republican incumbent Laura Williams. District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.Wiederaenders’ background, her decision to run, and her views on representation were central to our conversation. She described herself as someone who has worked in politics for years but waited for the right timing to become a candidate.The interview began with a common question: “Do you know what it’s like to not have one more penny?” Wiederaenders answered yes, sharing experiences with homelessness and financial insecurity. This became a recurring theme, connecting to the broader question of who can afford public service and office, and how low pay deters many.This led to a discussion about purpose-driven work in nonprofits, government, politics, childcare, early education, and caregiving. We highlighted how jobs that help people are often the same jobs people cannot afford to do, citing childcare and early education as undervalued, historically gendered work.We also touched on the decline of intergenerational support. Economic pressures like low wages, expensive childcare, and high housing costs make multigenerational households and family assistance less common, limiting choices for families.Wiederaenders explained her decision to run now, saying, “It’s time.” She had considered it before but was caring for her 103-year-old grandmother and hoped other strong candidates would emerge. Her perspective shifted after speaking with Betsy Lassiter, who felt compelled to run due to a lack of other candidates. Wiederaenders realized she might be avoiding a responsibility.The ongoing struggle to find Democratic candidates in the district and her frustration with the Kansas Legislature’s inaction on voting rights, environmental issues, transit, and its treatment of transgender Kansans further encouraged her.Wiederaenders emphasizes her 16 years of political experience as a key argument for her campaign. She believes her understanding of campaign demands and job requirements is crucial, especially when challenging an incumbent like Laura Williams.Her political career began after earning degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Kansas State University. She worked on Barbara Bollier’s campaign in 2010, spent time in Washington, D.C., and later worked in constituent services for Claire McCaskill, answering phones, opening mail, and accompanying field staff to community events. She loved this work, even its difficulties.Constituent service is a core campaign promise: she will answer emails. Wiederaenders has heard from District 30 residents who received no response from Laura Williams. She believes responding to constituents is a basic duty and that representatives should not act as if their seat belongs to them.Wiederaenders’ path led her to San Francisco, where she worked as a paid canvasser and in political consulting for several years. This experience taught her about government complexities and inspired her to earn a master’s degree in public administration.However, San Francisco also brought housing instability and burnout. When her grandmother’s dementia worsened and Wiederaenders faced eviction due to a roommate’s theft, she returned to Kansas. This period involved caregiving, recovery, and a return to local politics.After returning, she took time to decompress, reading extensively. When ready, she reconnected with Kansas politics, becoming involved with Prairie Roots, the Johnson County Democrats, and local campaigns for Stacey Nell, Betsy Lassiter, Allison Hoogland, Sherri Giebler, and Nikki McDonald.This campaign work shaped her view of the current race. Wiederaenders understands organizing, canvassing, and supporting candidates in competitive districts. Past losses, like Stacey Nell’s, reinforced her belief that Kansas needs more serious, prepared candidates.When asked about district issues, Wiederaenders noted that Democratic primary voters prioritize a candidate’s party affiliation and experience. The conversation then shifted to property taxes and schools. Wiederaenders acknowledges the challenge of preventing people from being taxed out of their homes while adequately funding public schools.This led to a discussion about the “catch-22” facing Kansas voters: property tax cuts without serious replacements could harm schools and local services. We also discussed tax abatements and development incentives, noting how ordinary homeowners often feel squeezed while corporations receive breaks. Wiederaenders agreed that simply abolishing a funding source without a replacement is not a solution.Republican messaging in District 30 was also discussed. Wiederaenders noted that Laura Williams’ campaign materials highlight bipartisan achievements and present her as a free thinker. She recounted a conversation with a voter who described a canvasser who wouldn’t state her party affiliation, and Wiederaenders realized the voter was describing Williams, a Republican.Wiederaenders believes this indicates Republicans in her district may be trying to soften their party label, contrasting with other races where Republicans embrace Trump/MAGA messaging and conservative identity. While Williams may be reading District 30 differently, Wiederaenders argues Williams’ legislative record is still available for voters to examine.The Republican supermajority in Topeka was a recurring theme. We discussed how the Legislature quickly passes “culture-war” bills while neglecting major issues affecting working families, such as schools, property taxes, childcare, housing, and financial stress.The August 4 amendment on Kansas Supreme Court justice elections was also mentioned, connecting to the 2022 abortion amendment vote, where Kansans rejected efforts to remove abortion rights protections. Wiederaenders agreed the 2022 vote showed Kansas is politically complex, and the upcoming amendment vote may again reveal voters’ willingness to push back against Republican leadership.Unaffiliated voters were another major theme, including their rise, frustration with both parties, and the distinction between national and local Democrats. Wiederaenders believes many local Democrats are dedicated, but she understands why voters might associate the party with national figures or disappointments.She argued that state legislative races are different because representatives are closer to voters and directly impact everyday policy. State representatives can answer emails, engage with the district, and be held accountable in a way national politicians often are not, reinforcing her promise of direct constituent service and responsiveness.Wiederaenders frames her campaign as a responsibility. She believes her experience, including years of campaign work, constituent service, organizing, public administration, caregiving, and lived experience, prepares her for the role.Ultimately, the conversation explored who participates in politics, who can afford to run, who elected officials ignore, and what experience truly matters in a state legislative race. Wiederaenders is running as someone who understands the political system from the inside and knows what it feels like to struggle outside of it.Her campaign message centers on experience, responsiveness, and timing. She believes District 30 needs a representative who will answer constituents, take the race seriously, and directly challenge Laura Williams. The August 4 Democratic primary will determine who voters believe is best prepared for this task. Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe