Kansas

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Education about this issue the first step. Chemical users should be encouraged to limit their use of chemicals to that which is absolutely necessary.”

KEYWORDS: Education; Limits; Use

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“This is a tough one for me. I love nature and think that we need to take much better care of our Mother Earth before we destroy her. On the other hand, I don’t think that the government should be involved in regulating what people do on their own land or in regulating agriculture. But as modern farming is done these days, I don’t have an easy answer to fix the problem of runoff and pollution without regulations. The long term solution would be scrapping our entire system of factory farming and going to much smaller farms and direct to consumer sales but this would require a re-shaping of our entire system. Joel Salatin has some very good ideas in this regard.”

KEYWORDS: Small farms, direct to consumer, save the Earth

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Find solutions to keep both sides of the issue moderately happy. Has to be a middle on this.”

KEYWORDS:

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Kansas agriculture feeds families here at home and around the world, and farmers need effective tools to protect crops and maintain productivity. At the same time, Kansans deserve clean, safe drinking water, and we have a responsibility to protect our rivers, lakes, groundwater, and public health.

I support a science-based approach that evaluates chemicals according to their actual risks, uses, concentrations, and environmental impacts rather than adopting one-size-fits-all policies. We should invest in research, water-quality monitoring, precision agriculture, conservation practices, and technical assistance that help producers reduce runoff and use fertilizers and crop-protection products efficiently.

Farmers need to be part of developing these solutions. Washington shouldn’t dictate practices without understanding what they mean on the ground. We should give producers better information, tools, and incentives to reduce runoff and protect water while allowing them to keep their operations productive. Where scientific evidence demonstrates a serious public-health or environmental risk, regulators should act transparently and responsibly to address it.”

KEYWORDS: Clean Water; Agriculture; Pesticides; Fertilizers; Precision Agriculture; Conservation; Public Health; Science-Based Regulation; Farmer Partnerships

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“No data center should receive any tax break or tax subsidy from the government. Data centers must pay their own way and be subject to all local zoning laws.”

KEYWORDS: Zoning; No subsidies.

Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“People must protect their privacy. There are many ways to thwart AI from tracking you, then storing that information in a data center. One easy way to maintain privacy is to pay with cash rather than plastic or a payment app.”

KEYWORDS: Privacy; Cash; Payment

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“Data centers are going to be built no matter what. I think opposing their construction is futile. However, no discounts, tax breaks, or any sort of unfair advantage should be given to them. And the government should under no conditions be given access to any of the data. I would like to see some bright scientific ideas on how the increased costs of utilities can be offset. Tariffs are fine for now but smart people will come up with other ideas that should be considered in the future.”

KEYWORDS: No tax breaks, no discounts, no sharing of data with government or law enforcement

Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“I think that AI is a tool that can be used for good or evil. I fully support private businesses and individuals using it however they see fit. My main interest with AI and government lies in keeping the government so small and powerless that it can’t use AI to track or surveil anyone or anything. Not for law enforcement, not for data, nothing. The government should find it extremely difficult to know what it’s citizens are up to, even if that involves breaking the law.”

KEYWORDS: Keep the government blind, no government surveillance, no government data tracking

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“Data Centers should never be taxpayer supported, and its the only way they are getting built. Its fools gold.”

KEYWORDS:

Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“AI is designed to not be government regulated, honestly. It does care about intellectual copyrights, and is a job killer. And government can’t even regulate the internet, so in no way can it control AI.”

KEYWORDS:

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“AI and data centers can bring investment and jobs to Kansas, but growth cannot come at the expense of existing ratepayers or the reliability of our electric and water systems. Large new users should bear an appropriate share of the infrastructure costs their projects create rather than shifting those costs onto Kansas families and small businesses.

I support rigorous planning for energy and water demand, transparent utility regulation, and investments that strengthen grid reliability and expand generation and transmission capacity. Kansas should also encourage data centers to improve energy and water efficiency and locate projects where infrastructure and resources can responsibly support them.

Kansas has an opportunity to pair technological growth with our strengths in affordable and diverse energy production. I want Kansas to attract data centers and other technology investments, but Kansas families should not see their utility bills go up to subsidize them. If a project creates significant new demand for electricity, water, or infrastructure, those costs need to be part of the deal from the beginning.”

KEYWORDS: Energy Reliability; Water; Ratepayer Protection; Infrastructure; Energy Efficiency; Responsible Growth; Sustainability

Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?

“Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve productivity, health care, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and countless other fields, but public policy needs to keep pace with the technology.

I support a federal framework for AI that encourages American innovation while establishing meaningful protections for privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, consumers, and children. People should know when consequential decisions are being made using AI, and companies should be accountable when their systems cause harm or misuse personal information. We should also invest in education and workforce training so Kansans can benefit from the jobs and opportunities AI creates.

For data centers, I support responsible development that protects ratepayers and considers demands on electricity, water, land, and infrastructure before incentives are awarded. Kansas should welcome technological investment when it produces real economic benefits, but public subsidies and infrastructure commitments should be transparent and accountable to taxpayers.

I want America leading the world in AI, but being first cannot mean being careless. We can encourage innovation while still protecting people’s privacy, their work, their intellectual property, and their ability to know when AI is being used to make important decisions about them.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation; Privacy; Cybersecurity; Intellectual Property; Workforce Development; Consumer Protection; Accountability

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“I will consult with scientists and weather experts by meeting with them, listening to them, and helping them communicate their messages regarding the best way to prevent or mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters. I shall do the same in response to any natural disasters.”

KEYWORDS: Consult; Meet; Listen

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“If there is any way of reducing the impact of natural disasters and severe weather I will definitely consult with scientists. As far as the response to natural disasters, I encourage people to take a hands-on approach instead of waiting on the government. Let’s do a better job of helping each other out. People helping people is how communities are built back stronger. In most cases, all the government does is throw money at the problem, which reduces personal responsibility and increases our dependance on it.”

KEYWORDS: Personal responsibility, building community, reduce government depenance

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“Not really sure. It might be too late to reverse climate change, and wars would break out to do the things we need to do stop it.”

KEYWORDS:

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“Kansas understands severe weather. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires, drought, extreme heat, and winter storms can threaten lives, farms, businesses, and entire communities. Preparing for these events should be driven by the best available science and by close coordination with the people responsible for responding when disasters occur.

I would support strong partnerships among federal agencies, state and local emergency managers, universities, meteorologists, engineers, first responders, utilities, agricultural experts, and community leaders. Scientific forecasting and risk analysis should inform decisions about infrastructure, emergency planning, water management, wildfire prevention, and disaster mitigation.

We should also invest before disaster strikes when evidence shows that mitigation can reduce future damage and costs. When disasters do occur, federal assistance should be timely, effective, and accessible. We know severe weather is part of living in Kansas. Our job is to use the information and technology available to us to prepare earlier, warn people faster, build more resilient communities, and make sure help is there when disaster strikes.”

KEYWORDS: Disaster Preparedness; Severe Weather; Climate Resilience; Emergency Management; Mitigation; Infrastructure; Scientific Expertise; First Responders

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“No data center should receive any tax break or tax subsidy from the government. Data centers must pay their own way and be subject to all local zoning laws.”

KEYWORDS: Zoning; No subsidies.

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“Data centers are going to be built no matter what. I think opposing their construction is futile. However, no discounts, tax breaks, or any sort of unfair advantage should be given to them. And the government should under no conditions be given access to any of the data. I would like to see some bright scientific ideas on how the increased costs of utilities can be offset. Tariffs are fine for now but smart people will come up with other ideas that should be considered in the future.”

KEYWORDS: No tax breaks, no discounts, no sharing of data with government or law enforcement

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“Data Centers should never be taxpayer supported, and its the only way they are getting built. Its fools gold.”

KEYWORDS:

Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?

“AI and data centers can bring investment and jobs to Kansas, but growth cannot come at the expense of existing ratepayers or the reliability of our electric and water systems. Large new users should bear an appropriate share of the infrastructure costs their projects create rather than shifting those costs onto Kansas families and small businesses.

I support rigorous planning for energy and water demand, transparent utility regulation, and investments that strengthen grid reliability and expand generation and transmission capacity. Kansas should also encourage data centers to improve energy and water efficiency and locate projects where infrastructure and resources can responsibly support them.

Kansas has an opportunity to pair technological growth with our strengths in affordable and diverse energy production. I want Kansas to attract data centers and other technology investments, but Kansas families should not see their utility bills go up to subsidize them. If a project creates significant new demand for electricity, water, or infrastructure, those costs need to be part of the deal from the beginning.”

KEYWORDS: Energy Reliability; Water; Ratepayer Protection; Infrastructure; Energy Efficiency; Responsible Growth; Sustainability

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“I will consult with scientists and weather experts by meeting with them, listening to them, and helping them communicate their messages regarding the best way to prevent or mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters. I shall do the same in response to any natural disasters.”

KEYWORDS: Consult; Meet; Listen

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Education about this issue the first step. Chemical users should be encouraged to limit their use of chemicals to that which is absolutely necessary.”

KEYWORDS: Education; Limits; Use

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“If there is any way of reducing the impact of natural disasters and severe weather I will definitely consult with scientists. As far as the response to natural disasters, I encourage people to take a hands-on approach instead of waiting on the government. Let’s do a better job of helping each other out. People helping people is how communities are built back stronger. In most cases, all the government does is throw money at the problem, which reduces personal responsibility and increases our dependance on it.”

KEYWORDS: Personal responsibility, building community, reduce government depenance

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“This is a tough one for me. I love nature and think that we need to take much better care of our Mother Earth before we destroy her. On the other hand, I don’t think that the government should be involved in regulating what people do on their own land or in regulating agriculture. But as modern farming is done these days, I don’t have an easy answer to fix the problem of runoff and pollution without regulations. The long term solution would be scrapping our entire system of factory farming and going to much smaller farms and direct to consumer sales but this would require a re-shaping of our entire system. Joel Salatin has some very good ideas in this regard.”

KEYWORDS: Small farms, direct to consumer, save the Earth

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“Not really sure. It might be too late to reverse climate change, and wars would break out to do the things we need to do stop it.”

KEYWORDS:

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Find solutions to keep both sides of the issue moderately happy. Has to be a middle on this.”

KEYWORDS:

Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?

“Kansas understands severe weather. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires, drought, extreme heat, and winter storms can threaten lives, farms, businesses, and entire communities. Preparing for these events should be driven by the best available science and by close coordination with the people responsible for responding when disasters occur.

I would support strong partnerships among federal agencies, state and local emergency managers, universities, meteorologists, engineers, first responders, utilities, agricultural experts, and community leaders. Scientific forecasting and risk analysis should inform decisions about infrastructure, emergency planning, water management, wildfire prevention, and disaster mitigation.

We should also invest before disaster strikes when evidence shows that mitigation can reduce future damage and costs. When disasters do occur, federal assistance should be timely, effective, and accessible. We know severe weather is part of living in Kansas. Our job is to use the information and technology available to us to prepare earlier, warn people faster, build more resilient communities, and make sure help is there when disaster strikes.”

KEYWORDS: Disaster Preparedness; Severe Weather; Climate Resilience; Emergency Management; Mitigation; Infrastructure; Scientific Expertise; First Responders

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Kansas agriculture feeds families here at home and around the world, and farmers need effective tools to protect crops and maintain productivity. At the same time, Kansans deserve clean, safe drinking water, and we have a responsibility to protect our rivers, lakes, groundwater, and public health.

I support a science-based approach that evaluates chemicals according to their actual risks, uses, concentrations, and environmental impacts rather than adopting one-size-fits-all policies. We should invest in research, water-quality monitoring, precision agriculture, conservation practices, and technical assistance that help producers reduce runoff and use fertilizers and crop-protection products efficiently.

Farmers need to be part of developing these solutions. Washington shouldn’t dictate practices without understanding what they mean on the ground. We should give producers better information, tools, and incentives to reduce runoff and protect water while allowing them to keep their operations productive. Where scientific evidence demonstrates a serious public-health or environmental risk, regulators should act transparently and responsibly to address it.”

KEYWORDS: Clean Water; Agriculture; Pesticides; Fertilizers; Precision Agriculture; Conservation; Public Health; Science-Based Regulation; Farmer Partnerships

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I do not support federal funding of either organization. I support incentivizing private companies to do research.”

KEYWORDS: Incentivizing private companies.

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“While I am very much for cutting government and spending as much as possible, research grants would not be at the top of my list. Much higher on my list of cuts would be military contracts, genocide funding, giving money to governments of other countries, bailing out corporations, and money laundering for politicians and their rich friends through other government contracts. I think that eventually, funding for science could be private and that this would be more effective and efficient. This will take some time to develop and until that day, science grants are an acceptable substitute.”

KEYWORDS: Keep research grants, work towards private funding

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I am not looking to cut spending anyway, but we are a country facing a depression with our debt. W must look at ways to feed our people.”

KEYWORDS:

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I strongly support sustained federal investment in scientific research through agencies such as the NIH and NSF. These investments support research at Kansas universities, hospitals, and institutions while helping our country remain competitive in medicine, agriculture, engineering, aviation, energy, and emerging technologies.

These dollars don’t just stay in a laboratory. They support Kansas jobs, help our universities compete for talented researchers and students, and turn new discoveries into businesses, products, and technologies. I want more of that investment coming to Kansas. Kansas should be competing for more of these opportunities, not fewer.

I would oppose arbitrary cuts or political interference that undermine peer-reviewed research. At the same time, taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and confidence that federal research dollars are being administered responsibly. We can be responsible stewards of public funds while continuing to invest in the discoveries that improve lives and strengthen America’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

KEYWORDS: Research Funding; Higher Education; Innovation; Economic Competitiveness; Kansas Universities; Accountability

Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?

“The free market will best determine the role science, research, and innovation play in Kansas’ economy. It will be a large roll because we have a service economy and rely heavily on technology.”

KEYWORDS: Technology; Economy; Kansas

Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?

“I believe that the government should stay out of the economy. Innovation and research are naturally occurring phenomenon. With less government involvement, science and research would be free to flourish in Kansas and everywhere else. But by all means, before we make any significant investments or improvements, research should be conducted in the most scientific way possible. Making smart choices reduces waste.”

KEYWORDS: Smart choices, less waste

Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?

“Science is very important, but so is not taxing people out of their homes.”

KEYWORDS:

Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?

“Science, research, and innovation should be central to Kansas’s economic future. We already have tremendous strengths in aviation and advanced manufacturing, agriculture and bioscience, health care, energy, and engineering. Investing in research and innovation can help those industries grow while creating new opportunities for Kansas workers and entrepreneurs.

That means connecting universities, community and technical colleges, employers, researchers, and workforce programs so Kansans can develop the skills needed for emerging jobs. It also means investing responsibly in infrastructure—from broadband and transportation to energy and water systems—that allows businesses and communities to compete.

When we use taxpayer dollars to support economic development, Kansans should be able to see the return: good jobs, stronger communities, a broader tax base, and infrastructure that serves more than one company or project. Innovation should help Kansas compete while making it more affordable and attractive for people to build their lives here.”

KEYWORDS: Innovation; Workforce Development; Advanced Manufacturing; Aviation; Agriculture; Research; Infrastructure; Good-Paying Jobs; Accountability

Q1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I would give scientific evidence great weight in deciding what my economic, ethical, and policy preferences are. Evidence does not compete with preferences; it informs preferences.”

KEYWORDS: Information; Great weight

Q1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“I would weigh scientific evidence very strongly when making policy decisions. I believe that science, not mysticism or faith, is the key to discovering truth. Unfortunately, human interest narratives and hot button moral issues are what get people fired up about voting. I prefer math. It’s boring but it’s true and it works.”

KEYWORDS: Cut spending, reduce government, increase freedom

Q1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“Ruining the economy for small environmental change hurts more then helps society.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence-Driven, Pragmatist, Innovator

Q1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?

“Facts matter. When I’m making a decision, I want to hear from the scientists and experts who understand the issue, but I also want to hear from the Kansans who will live with the consequences of that decision. At the same time, elected officials have a responsibility to consider the economic impact of policies, ethical questions, and the real-world experiences of the people they represent.

Scientific evidence should help us understand the problem and the consequences of the choices in front of us. Then it is our job as policymakers to make decisions that protect people, strengthen our economy, and make sense for the communities we represent. I also believe we need to restore trust in public institutions by communicating honestly, acknowledging uncertainty when it exists, and refusing to politicize scientific evidence. My approach will be grounded in facts, accountability, and common sense.”

KEYWORDS: Evidence-Based Policy; Scientific Expertise; Transparency; Accountability; Public Trust; Economic Impact; Practical Solutions

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Education about this issue the first step. Chemical users should be encouraged to limit their use of chemicals to that which is absolutely necessary.”

KEYWORDS: Education; Limits; Use

Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?

“I would promote voluntary vaccinations and voluntary quarantines.”

KEYWORDS: Vaccinations; Quarantines; Prevention

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“This is a tough one for me. I love nature and think that we need to take much better care of our Mother Earth before we destroy her. On the other hand, I don’t think that the government should be involved in regulating what people do on their own land or in regulating agriculture. But as modern farming is done these days, I don’t have an easy answer to fix the problem of runoff and pollution without regulations. The long term solution would be scrapping our entire system of factory farming and going to much smaller farms and direct to consumer sales but this would require a re-shaping of our entire system. Joel Salatin has some very good ideas in this regard.”

KEYWORDS: Small farms, direct to consumer, save the Earth

Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?

“I think that if people don’t want to get measles, they could vaccinate themselves and their kids. If they want to risk it, that’s also a choice. I don’t believe in making that choice for anyone other than myself. People should be free to choose their own path when it comes to health care. I would not implement policies that interfere or push anyone in a particular direction when it comes to health care decisions. The best way to avoid any sort of disease is a healthy lifestyle, eating right, avoiding stress, and exercising.”

KEYWORDS: Healthy lifestyle, no government mandates, individual choices

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Find solutions to keep both sides of the issue moderately happy. Has to be a middle on this.”

KEYWORDS:

Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?

“Education.”

KEYWORDS:

Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?

“Kansas agriculture feeds families here at home and around the world, and farmers need effective tools to protect crops and maintain productivity. At the same time, Kansans deserve clean, safe drinking water, and we have a responsibility to protect our rivers, lakes, groundwater, and public health.

I support a science-based approach that evaluates chemicals according to their actual risks, uses, concentrations, and environmental impacts rather than adopting one-size-fits-all policies. We should invest in research, water-quality monitoring, precision agriculture, conservation practices, and technical assistance that help producers reduce runoff and use fertilizers and crop-protection products efficiently.

Farmers need to be part of developing these solutions. Washington shouldn’t dictate practices without understanding what they mean on the ground. We should give producers better information, tools, and incentives to reduce runoff and protect water while allowing them to keep their operations productive. Where scientific evidence demonstrates a serious public-health or environmental risk, regulators should act transparently and responsibly to address it.”

KEYWORDS: Clean Water; Agriculture; Pesticides; Fertilizers; Precision Agriculture; Conservation; Public Health; Science-Based Regulation; Farmer Partnerships

Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?

“Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable. Our response should begin with making sure families have access to accurate information, routine preventive health care, and proven vaccines.

I support strong partnerships among federal, state, and local public-health agencies, health-care providers, schools, and communities to identify outbreaks quickly and respond based on established medical evidence. That includes effective disease surveillance, adequate laboratory capacity, rapid communication with affected communities, and resources for local health departments to conduct outbreak investigations and protect people at greatest risk.

We also have to recognize that public trust has been damaged. Telling people simply to ‘trust the experts’ isn’t enough. Public-health officials need to answer questions honestly, explain the evidence clearly, and make reliable information easy for parents and families to find. Finally, public-health decisions should be guided by qualified medical and scientific experts rather than political pressure.”

KEYWORDS: Vaccination; Disease Prevention ; Local Health Departments; Disease Surveillance; Medical Evidence; Public Trust

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I do not support federal funding of either organization. I support incentivizing private companies to do research.”

KEYWORDS: Incentivizing private companies.

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“While I am very much for cutting government and spending as much as possible, research grants would not be at the top of my list. Much higher on my list of cuts would be military contracts, genocide funding, giving money to governments of other countries, bailing out corporations, and money laundering for politicians and their rich friends through other government contracts. I think that eventually, funding for science could be private and that this would be more effective and efficient. This will take some time to develop and until that day, science grants are an acceptable substitute.”

KEYWORDS: Keep research grants, work towards private funding

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I am not looking to cut spending anyway, but we are a country facing a depression with our debt. W must look at ways to feed our people.”

KEYWORDS:

Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?

“I strongly support sustained federal investment in scientific research through agencies such as the NIH and NSF. These investments support research at Kansas universities, hospitals, and institutions while helping our country remain competitive in medicine, agriculture, engineering, aviation, energy, and emerging technologies.

These dollars don’t just stay in a laboratory. They support Kansas jobs, help our universities compete for talented researchers and students, and turn new discoveries into businesses, products, and technologies. I want more of that investment coming to Kansas. Kansas should be competing for more of these opportunities, not fewer.

I would oppose arbitrary cuts or political interference that undermine peer-reviewed research. At the same time, taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and confidence that federal research dollars are being administered responsibly. We can be responsible stewards of public funds while continuing to invest in the discoveries that improve lives and strengthen America’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

KEYWORDS: Research Funding; Higher Education; Innovation; Economic Competitiveness; Kansas Universities; Accountability