The time has come to cast a ballot — but for whom? The Kansas News Service can help you make your decision with this rundown of the major races, links to our stories and handy comparisons of the congressional candidates.
To read this in Spanish, go here.
U.S. Senate: Doctor vs. Doctor
Democrat Barbara Bollier is a state senator (who left the Republican Party in 2018) from the ritzy Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills. She’s also a retired anesthesiologist.
Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall has spent two terms in Congress for the vast 1st District. He’s a retired obstetrician from Great Bend.
Find out how the candidates feel about President Donald Trump and economic issues, and where they stand on pressing health care issues — including the coronavirus. We also talked with voters about cultural issues. And if you’re looking for a quick comparison, just go here.
1st Congressional District: Battle for Farm Country
The Big First values its seat at the table in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, which is instrumental in the every-five-year farm bill. So it’s little surprise two people with farming backgrounds are vying to replace Marshall.
Democrat Kali Barnett is a music teacher in Garden City. Republican Tracey Mann was the former lieutenant governor during the short-lived Jeff Colyer administration. Learn more about their platforms here.
2nd Congressional District: GOP’s Young Gun vs. Topeka’s Mayor
The seat for this district, which includes Lawrence and Topeka, came open when incumbent Steve Watkins lost his primary.
For the Democrats, there’s Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, who lived in New York City and Puerto Rico before moving to Kansas. For Republicans, 32-year-old Treasurer Jake LaTurner is seen as a rising star. Find out more about their thoughts on major issues.
3rd Congressional District: Battle For The Suburbs
Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids took over this largely suburban Kansas City district in 2018, and has mostly hewed to a moderate stance in Washington. Former Cerner executive and ex-state GOP head Amanda Adkins emerged from a crowded primary.
The coronavirus forced both of them to address health care this year, and we compared their stances on what else is at stake.
4th Congressional District: The Establishment vs. The Newbie
Republican Ron Estes replaced now-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in this district in 2017, and he’s now looking for his second full term. He’s up against Democrat Laura Lombard, a political newcomer, but someone well-versed in the world of government contracting.
Here's a full breakdown of this race.
Statehouse Races: Where The Real Work Is Done
Here's a breakdown of the Kansas House and Senate races in the Kansas City area.
What Do You Need To Vote?
Kansas offers a range of voting options, from in-person on Nov. 3 to advance voting by mail. Find details about all of them at the Secretary of State’s website.
Erica Hunzinger is the news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @ehunzinger.
Translation by Marcela Renna in partnership with America Amplified. If you have any questions or concerns about the translation, please email Jennifer@americaamplified.org.
The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished by news media at no cost with proper attribution and a link to ksnewsservice.org.
