1. What interests you about serving in this role?
I’m running for governor because, as a father of two young boys, I want Kansas to be a place where our kids can thrive. When I became a dad, the future stopped being an abstract idea – it became personal. Looking at what was happening in Topeka, I wasn’t willing to accept attacks on public schools, limited access to health care, and lack of focus on tackling the rising costs of housing and childcare. That’s why I ran for the state senate, and it’s the same reason I’m running for governor.
2. How do you prioritize competing demands with limited resources?
As governor, my first priority would be working with legislators from both parties early in the process to build consensus around a budget that reflects shared priorities. But if a budget arrives on my desk that contains wasteful spending, political pork, or provisions that undermine our long-term fiscal stability, I won’t hesitate to use the veto pen. I believe taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability. The choice isn’t between tax relief and public services. It’s between responsible budgeting and political gamesmanship. I’ll fight for tax relief for working families while making sure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and transparently.
3. If elected, what would your top three priorities be during your first year?
No one should need GoFundMe to avoid bankruptcy because they got sick. Kansas has more hospitals at immediate risk of closing than any other state, and Medicaid expansion is essential to fixing this crisis.We must also protect rural hospitals, recruit doctors, and expand access to care. I will fully fund public schools, including special education, raise teacher pay, strengthen educator retirement, and veto vouchers that divert public funds. I will also work to keep more money in Kansans’ pockets by addressing the greatest strains on family budgets such as childcare, housing, and property taxes.
4. Please list personal information or other information you feel is important.
I’m a husband, father, state senator, and lifelong Kansan running for governor to bring a new generation of leadership to our state. I’m a proud product of Kansas public schools, from pre-K through Garden City Community College, and that opportunity led me to one of the nation’s top law schools and to Washington, D.C., where I served as Chief of Staff at the International Trade Administration. After that my wife Jenna and I returned home to start our family. Since 2021, I’ve served in the state senate fighting for strong schools, accessible healthcare, lower taxes, and good-paying jobs.
