Party, Principles… Where do we find common ground?

Like many others, the political divide in our country has sent me searching for an explanation for the growing polarization now seen in both major parties. There seems to be only a “with us or against us” mentality, leaving no room for those in the middle.

At age 18, as a new voter, I eagerly registered as a Republican, the same as my parents. I didn’t follow politics closely, but I believed I voted for individuals who shared my values and democratic beliefs. Because I was registered as a Republican, when in doubt, I voted with my party.

As I matured, my political awareness did too. I paid more attention to presidential races and amendments, but local and congressional races were largely ignored. Still, for the races I followed, I believed the candidate mattered more than the party. I eventually became an unaffiliated voter, choosing principles over party.

Yet I felt left out of a vital part of our democratic process: the primary election. To fully participate, I needed to affiliate again. I studied the platforms. Parts of the Republican platform resonated with me, but so did much of the Democratic platform. I briefly became Libertarian before deciding the candidates didn’t represent my values. I returned to principles over party — unaffiliated — and stayed that way until September 2025.

For those old enough to remember John F. Kennedy while in office, they likely know exactly what they were doing when they heard he had been shot. I remember what I was doing when Ronald Reagan was shot and when the towers fell on 9/11. Many of us now have a new monumental moment to add to that timeline — the day we could no longer just watch the news and hope the insanity would stop.

On that day, I realized I could no longer be unaffiliated. I wanted to be part of the solution to the ever-increasing divide in our country, and that meant doing more than voting. While there are aspects of the Republican platform I value, my principles no longer aligned with those of the leadership. So, I affiliated with the Democratic Party to be part of the change I wanted to see. Everything I read said to start local. So, with a few like-minded community members, the Democratic Party in Decatur County was reorganized in December 2025 — and I was elected Chair.

In January, believing there were more people in our community who shared our principles but not our party, we organized an event called Common Ground in Oberlin. We invited every Democratic candidate running for office in 2026 to share their principles — why they were running, what they could do for people in western Kansas, and how they would help bridge the divide. We spent January through April planning, and the April 11th event exceeded our expectations.

As Chair, I also assigned myself the task of identifying every office up for re-election in Decatur County in 2026. One of those positions was the Kansas Board of Education District 5 seat. After speaking with several qualified District 5 residents about running, they all recommended the same person — me. I had the experience, background, knowledge, and most importantly, the passion for the success of public education, especially in rural areas. After talking with my family, I filed my intention to run.

My story isn’t unlike that of many Democratic candidates running in 2026. As I got to know them, I found they were distressed by the direction our country was heading. They recognized they had the principles, knowledge, background, experience, and passion for the offices they chose. Like me, they decided to be part of the solution. Now it is in the hands of voters — the way we all believe elections should work. There will be choices on ballots in areas of Kansas that haven’t seen them in years.

My hope is that voters will turn out in greater numbers for the August 4 primary election. Voters should verify registration deadlines and party affiliation requirements with their county election office or the Kansas Secretary of State. As of this writing, affiliated voters had until June 1 to change party affiliation before the primary. Unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party and participate in a party primary, including on Election Day. Unaffiliated voters may also vote on constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot. Voters who affiliate with a party should be aware that their registration does not automatically return to unaffiliated status after the election.

Kansas is considered a Republican state, but I believe it is Republican primarily out of custom. Like me, many voters chose to be in the party their parents were. Yet when they consider the current state of our country and their own principles, the Republican Party may no longer fully align. So, I implore every voter — Republican, Democrat, unaffiliated, or otherwise — to get to know all the candidates and vote for the person who will carry your principles into office to serve the people of Kansas, not the party.

Kansas is an amazing place to live. I want my grandchildren and the generations that follow to want to call western Kansas home. To me, that starts with our schools. I hope my principles and the value I place on public education resonate with you, and that you will vote for principles over party — not only for Board of Education District 5, but in every race in 2026.

Regardless of political affiliation, we can try to find common ground with the people who want to represent us in government. After finding that common ground, see where they stand. Do they represent Kansans or their party? Do their values and priorities align with yours? Once you have made your decision, let your voice be heard loud and clear through your vote on August 4 and November 3!