Corson brings campaign for Kansas Governor to Colby
October 17, 2025
Ethan Corson, a Democratic State Senator from Johnson County, made a stop in Colby last Friday afternoon as part of his multi-day campaign kickoff tour across western Kansas, meeting with residents at Moka’s Coffee and sitting down afterward for an interview to discuss his bid for Governor of Kansas.
Corson, who represents the area where he grew up in suburban Kansas City, said his campaign is centered on what he calls “kitchen table issues,” the daily concerns of Kansas families. Those include affordable housing, lowering taxes, improving childcare access, and protecting public education, all while working across party lines to achieve practical results.
“I want to create a Kansas where my boys, and every young person — can build a life without feeling like they have to leave the state to do it,” Corson said. “That means tackling costs and affordability from day one. We need to make it possible to own a home, send your kids to great public schools, and retire with dignity.”
Before his campaign event in Colby, Corson toured McCarty Family Farms near Rexford, as part of his focus on understanding economic opportunities unique to western Kansas. He noted that strengthening the local workforce, improving infrastructure, and ensuring strong hospitals and schools all play into keeping rural communities thriving.
“I think the biggest challenge for growth here is housing,” Corson said during the Moka’s meet-and-greet. “There are plenty of jobs open, but there’s nowhere for people to live. That’s something the state can help address by building more middle-income housing and streamlining red tape.”
Corson has served two terms in the Kansas Senate since first being elected in 2020. During that time, he has worked with both parties to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries, remove taxes on Social Security, and deliver property tax relief to seniors and disabled veterans. He says that bipartisan record will guide his approach if elected governor.
In the interview, Corson highlighted three key priorities for his campaign: cost and affordability, job creation, and public education. On taxes, he said he would push to double the current exemption on the state’s 20-mill property tax levy from $75,000 to $150,000 in assessed valuation, easing the burden on working families. He also supports creating a state child tax credit to help with childcare expenses, which he described as “a crushing cost for young parents.”
Corson also stressed his long-standing connection to western Kansas, having attended Garden City Community College on a baseball scholarship. He said that time in southwest Kansas shaped his outlook on public service and gave him a deep appreciation for rural values.
“I came to Garden City as a pretty immature 18-year-old kid, and it was people in western Kansas who helped me grow up,” he said. “Those values — hard work, community, and family — are why I’m running. I feel a personal responsibility to do right by the people out here.”
During his discussion with local residents, education was a recurring topic. Corson said the expiration of the state’s current school funding formula in 2027 will be one of the most important issues the next governor faces. He emphasized that any new plan must recognize the unique needs of rural schools.
“Public schools are the heart of our communities,” he said. “They’re the Friday night lights, the school plays, and the centers of small-town life. We have to make sure they get the resources they need to succeed — especially in rural Kansas.”
Corson’s campaign staff said the tour through western Kansas included stops in Pratt, Dodge City, Ulysses, Liberal, Great Bend, Garden City, Scott City, Colby, and Hays, with meetings scheduled with local chambers, farm groups, educators, and healthcare leaders. He said he intends to return frequently, not only as a candidate but, if elected, as a governor who keeps western Kansas in his decision-making circle.
“Our campaign is spending more time in western Kansas than any other candidate,” Corson said. “I want to show people out here that their voice matters. This region is vital to Kansas, and I’ll make sure it has a seat at the table.”