Here’s who is running for U.S. House, Senate to represent Kansas, and what they stand for
▪ Voters in south-central Kansas will choose who to send to Congress in the mid-term election.
Democrat Bob Hernandez is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Ron Estes in the 4th District.
In addition, voters will cast ballots in a U.S. Senate race.
Below are candidates’ responses to our survey.
And here is a link to all of the races on the ballot for voters in Sedgwick County.
You can look up your voter information to see which district you live in, and where your polling site is.
How the voter guide works:
Click on the race you are curious about, and you’ll go to a page with candidates’ responses. There, you can use the jump menu to get to a specific race or district.
Any candidates that do not have answers below their names did not respond to the survey. We contacted campaigns multiple times via both email and phone calls over the past month.
If you are a candidate and would still like to submit responses, you can email us at mwerts@wichitaeagle.com. Voters will continue using this tool through Election Day.
A note on editing and fact-checking
Some survey responses were very lightly edited for grammar, but the substance of the responses was not edited and is the candidates’ own words. We did not fact-check all of the candidates’ responses.
U.S. Senator
Republican Sen. Jerry Moran is the incumbent running for reelection with two opponents.
Mark R. Holland, Democrat
After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?
The August vote was a temporary reprieve for Kansas. Depending upon the outcome of the November election, our state could have a new governor and Supreme Court that would most certainly “reinterpret” our constitution differently. Currently 15 states have made abortion illegal. The senate Republican leadership has stated that a nationwide ban is their ultimate plan. The rights and access for abortion health care, as were previously interpreted under Roe v. Wade, should be enshrined into federal statutory law. I support a filibuster carve-out which will allow for passage of the legislation through the U.S. Senate with 51 votes.
What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Kansas? This could include inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.
In 2020, there were 37.2 million people in poverty, approximately 3.3 million more than in 2019. Across all demographic populations poverty is trending up. Much of our current tax policy is implemented at the exclusion of the middle class. We are going to need a filibuster proof Democratic majority in order to pass additional legislation and funding that directly helps those in economic pain. At the federal level we are able to directly assist with driving down the components of inflation, such as the price of prescription medicine, healthcare, insurance premiums, fuel costs, energy production, food and housing.
What should Congress be doing to address climate change?
Significant federal investment must be made in large scale renewable energy sources such as the 3,100 Kansas wind turbines that now account for about 45% of our state’s energy generation. As part of critical infrastructure investment, I support renewable energies which will create new high paying jobs, expand our economy and energy independence. I support the use of tax credits to assist with the purchase of energy efficient heat pumps, electric water heaters and automobiles. Investments in automobile charging stations will be required for us to make a more wide scale jump to electric vehicles.
Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?
Yes, Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States having overwhelmingly won the 2020 presidential election. In over 65 lawsuits filed by Republicans and former President Trump, no evidence was ever presented or claimed of voter or election fraud. Our fragile experiment in democracy is built upon the orderly and peaceful transfer of power when an incumbent loses an election. The violent attack on our nation’s capital on January 6th to block the certification of election results should be widely condemned.
Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?
More than 80 of Kansas’s 105 counties have continued declining populations. Factories, stores, farms and hospitals do not have the workers to support the day-to-day operations, nor the growing community that is needed to keep them economically profitable. Rural hospitals and grocery stores are dependent upon a growing, thriving population. I believe we need an improved work visa program that provides a legal path to entry so that our employers can ensure they have the workforce necessary to run their businesses and a consumer base to sustain economic growth.
Campaign website: HollandForKansas.com
Jerry Moran, Republican
After numerous emails, phone calls and text messages over a span of more than two weeks, Sen. Moran did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.
Campaign website: moranforkansas.com
David C. Graham, Libertarian
After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?
I am pro-life. Congress should prohibit abortion, except to save the life of the mother.
What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Kansas? This could include inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.
Congress should abolish the Federal Reserve Bank and return United States’ currency to the gold standard. Also, many laws and regulations contribute to the high cost of living in Kansas. Congress should repeal virtually all such law and regulations. Less government, not more government, would help the economy.
What should Congress be doing to address climate change?
Congress could provide tax breaks to organizations to study whether climate change is a threat to the United States and, if so, what the United States should do about it.
Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?
The electoral college elected Joe Biden, as president, as per the Constitution. I condemn the rioting that occurred on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. I do not believe there is sufficient evidence to believe an “insurrection” occurred.My campaign is about the future! I want to make the United States a more free country!I believe in reducing the size and scope of government, criminal justice reform and a smarter national defense. As a United State senator, I shall fight for these issues.
Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?
A major topic of my campaign is criminal justice reform. Congress should repeal scores of federal laws, especially when the same criminal conduct is outlawed by state law. I favor abolishing (or substantially modifying) the federal sentencing guidelines. I also favor abolishing mandatory minimum sentencing.
Many people think these reforms will make our country less safe. The opposite is true.Furthermore, the government will save millions of dollars each year by greatly reducing the prison industrial complex.
Campaign website: Graham4Senate.com
U.S. Representative, District 4
Republican Rep. Ron Estes is running for reelection against Democrat Bob Hernandez.
Ron Estes, Republican
What is the most pressing issue that faces your district, and what would you do about it?
Families across the 4th District are suffering under exploding inflation as they try to stretch their family budgets to absorb rising costs of food, fuel, child care and other necessities. We need to quit pumping out massive amounts of federal dollars that are causing this inflationary environment, get people back to work, and lower taxes so they can keep more of their hard-earned money.
What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Kansas?
Kansas has a relatively low cost of living compared to the U.S. average, with the exception of health care and utilities. However, in this current inflationary cycle, all costs are rising and families are hurting. We need to return the U.S. to energy independence to lower the cost of fuel and utilities, which impact every sector. We need to fix this damaging inflationary trend, stop piling up federal debt, and focus on quality high-paying jobs and affordable housing.
After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?
Polls repeatedly confirm that Americans want common sense abortion regulations like an end to late-term abortions and no taxpayer-funded abortions. While extreme voices receive the most attention, I believe Congress should enact laws that protect innocent life and reflect the majority of Americans. I’ve introduced legislation to protect individuals from being aborted who have a Down syndrome diagnosis in utero, which is sometimes misdiagnosed. I’ve also supported the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act preventing abortions after a pre-born baby feels pain, and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act requiring abortion providers to administer care to babies following a botched abortion. These measures aren’t extreme, but instead respect the dignity and sanctity of human life.
What should the federal government be doing to address climate change?
Kansans care deeply about being good stewards of our land, water, air and natural resources and want to pass along a healthy environment to our children and grandchildren. The federal government should encourage best practices, provide accurate data, hold China and other big polluters accountable and refrain from imposing burdensome regulations on American farmers, ranchers and businesses.
Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?
Out-of-control federal spending is creating a massive federal debt problem that will burden our children and grandchildren for generations. It’s now approximately $250,000 per taxpayer and $93,000 per citizen. As this debt grows (now nearly $31 trillion), the U.S. will be further indebted to U.S. taxpayers and lender nations like China to finance this massive debt load; the interest on the debt alone will require massive tax increases to maintain this level of spending and to pay the interest on the debt. I’m part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that are working on solutions to our growing national debt. Being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money is a huge and necessary responsibility and requires us to take hard votes on huge spending bills. These votes are frequently misinterpreted.
Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?
Many voters in Kansas and beyond have concerns about the fact that several states did not follow their own statutes. Irregularities occurred in the past election just as they have previously. In fact, there are ongoing lawsuits and audit requests. Both parties have raised questions in previous elections about the way ballots have been handled and other issues, including Democrat objections to certifications following the 2016, 2004 and 2000 elections. Election integrity is paramount to our system of government. Without it, there can be no free and fair elections. We must be vigilant to protect our rights, freedoms and constitutional republic. Despite very intense concerns on both sides of this question, the peaceful transfer of power occurred as it has every inauguration day.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am a fifth generation Kansan who was raised on our family farm where I learned the values of hard work, accountability, perseverance, community, faith and family. My understanding of agriculture and my private sector experience in the manufacturing and aviation sectors, as well as my fiscal experience as the former Sedgwick County Treasurer, Kansas State Treasurer and a member of the US House Ways and Means Committee inform my ability to represent the 4th Congressional District. I have raised my family here in Wichita. Listening to and serving the people of the 4th District is my first priority. I believe my record of public service reflects my dedication to faith, family, religious and individual liberties, public safety and security and the sanctity of life.
Campaign website: estesforcongress.com
Bob Hernandez, Democrat
What is the most pressing issue that faces your district, and what would you do about it?
15 of the 17 counties in the 4th district lost population in the latest census count. Our rural communities are slowly dying. ... I would actively support any measure that would help economic and population growth in the 4th district.
What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Kansas?
I fully support Congress in passing the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill is designed to lower prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action on tackling the climate crisis in American history, which will lift up American workers and create good-paying, union jobs across the state. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the ultra-wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes.
After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?
Congress should adopt the message that the voters of Kansas unequivocally sent to lawmakers by their resounding vote on August 2nd which basically showed that any decision regarding a woman’s reproductive health should be decided by the woman.
What should the federal government be doing to address climate change?
Stay in the Paris Climate Agreement. Americans must do everything possible to start adapting our nation and the world to the many coming severe climate change and global heating consequences which we can no longer avoid or prevent.
Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?
A well-thought immigration reform that would include properly regulated work visas that would undoubtedly resolve the crushing labor shortage crisis we are currently experiencing.
Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?
The 2020 presidential election was a free and fair election. The only problem with the election was that a newcomer to American politics lost and did not want to give up the power and prestige of the Oval Office, therefore, he made up a lie that now many of his followers believe. State and federal judges dismissed more than 50 lawsuits presented by then President Donald Trump and his allies challenging the election or its outcome.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am a family man and a small business owner, not a career bureaucrat and politician. I have been in service to my community since I moved to Wichita 42 years ago and I have served my country as a soldier in the US Army, including a combat deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. My vision for the 4th district is to represent all constituents and not just those who belong my political party.
Campaign website: hernandezforkansas.com
Other congressional districts
▪ District 1: Republican Tracey Mann, the incumbent, faces Democrat James “Jimmy” Beard.
Beard website: jimmyforkansas.com
Mann website: traceymann.com
▪ District 2: Republican Jake LaTurner, the incumbent, faces Democrat Patrick Schmidt.
▪ District 3: Democrat Sharice Davids, the incumbent, faces Republican Amanda Atkins and Libertarian Steven Hohe.
