An Open Conversation: Common Ground - Meet Kansas Democrats

A belief that Kansans could find common ground, regardless of political affiliation, spurred the creation of a Democratic party in Decatur County and an event where 20 Democratic candidates are coming April 11 to explain how a vote for them would improve the lives of all Kansans,  especially those who live in the rural communities of western Kansas.  

Lorie Wood,  Chair of the Decatur County Democratic Party,  stated she switched from being an unaffiliated voter to being a Democrat because she had become disheartened by the direction politics had taken in recent years, and since the Democratic party was more inline with her values, she became a registered Democrat. After finding some other like-minded community members, the Decatur County Democratic Party became an organized party in December 2025. 

Once the party was organized,  the group decided to host an event to bring as many Democratic candidates to western Kansas as possible.  "We have unique concerns on this side of the state, and we need representatives in government who understand them and advocate for us," explained Wood, "and twenty candidates agree with us!"

The event known as Common Ground takes place April 11, 9am to 3pm at the Gateway Civic Center in Oberlin.  Wood stated that even though it is technically a Democratic event, everyone is welcome.  "These candidates want to represent all Kansans.  They can't do that unless they hear from all voices." There will be candidates from every state-wide race and nearly every race in northwestern Kansas. "We are still hoping someone will choose to run as House Representative District 120."

The following races are being represented: Gubernatorial: Ethan Corson,  Cindy Holscher,  Marty Tuley  Secretary of State: Jennifer Day,  Samuel Lane  Commissioner of Insurance: Dinah Sykes  Kansas Attorney General: Chris Mann  House Representative District 110: Mark Schaukowitch  House Representative District 70: Kylie Kilmer  Kansas Board of Education District 5: Lorie Wood  1st Congressional District: Colin McRoberts, Lauren Reinhold  US Senate - Kansas: Christy Davis,  Erik Murray,  Anne Parelkar,  Noah Taylor,  Jason Hart, Kevin Latz,  Damon Anderson,  Sandy Neumann Spidel

In addition to the candidate forums, there will be a presentation on the amendments that will be on the ballots this year, a workshop on how to run a campaign for new candidates, and the opportunity to register to vote. "We're also having lunch served by Twisted Traditions for a $10 donation to help us defray costs." 

For more information,  visit the event website HERE