Kansas House Candidates Debate Policy at Forum
Five candidates from the 66th and 67th Districts discussed key state issues at a university event in Manhattan.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Five candidates running for seats in the Kansas House of Representatives gathered at the K-State Student Union to outline their policy positions. The event provided voters an opportunity to hear from contenders representing the 66th and 67th Districts.
Why it matters
The forum allowed candidates to address pressing state legislative issues, including tax policy and healthcare coverage, ahead of upcoming elections. Understanding these stances helps constituents weigh the candidates' competing visions for Kansas governance.
The current Kansas flat income tax rate is 4.25 percent. Additionally, an estimated 150,000 Kansans currently remain in the Medicaid coverage gap, a primary point of discussion for candidates seeking office.
The players
Sydney Carlin
Sydney Carlin is the Democratic incumbent representing the 66th Kansas House District.
Noah Perry
Noah Perry is a Republican candidate running for a seat in the 66th Kansas House District.
Andrew Fry
Andrew Fry is a Libertarian candidate for the 66th Kansas House District.
Brenda Bandy
Brenda Bandy is a Democratic candidate for the 67th Kansas House District who advocates for healthcare expansion.
Stacy Kohlmeier
Stacy Kohlmeier is a Republican candidate competing for the 67th Kansas House District seat.
The details
Candidates for the 66th and 67th Districts participated in a moderated Q&A session hosted by the K-State Student Governing Association. Throughout the discussion, contenders presented varying approaches to state legislative priorities, including education funding and healthcare costs.
Timeline
The policy forum was held on October 26, 2026.
Political Context
The discussion surrounding the Kansas Medicaid expansion proposal remains a central divide in the state legislature. Candidates at the forum presented contrasting views on whether to expand coverage, marking a clear departure in policy direction for the upcoming session.
The legislative priorities discussed at the forum directly impact local residents through potential changes to tax structures and public health access. Voters should evaluate how these proposed policies might influence their individual household budgets and access to medical services.
The takeaway
Voters in the 66th and 67th Districts should examine how candidate platforms on taxation and healthcare align with their personal financial and medical needs. Researching specific voting records and legislative goals can provide a clearer picture of how each candidate plans to handle state-level challenges.
Further reading
For more information on local races, visit the Manhattan Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas State Collegian.
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