Kansas House District 43 covers a large chunk of southwestern Johnson County, including portions of Edgerton, Gardner and Olathe, and into Douglas County. See a district map to see its boundaries.
Republican incumbent Rep. Bill Sutton is running for reelection against Democrat Kristen Schultz.
Learn more about the candidates, who are listed in alphabetical order.
Kristen Schultz (Democratic)
Kristen Schultz served on the Gardner Edgerton school board from 2016 to 2022. A Gardner resident for 23 years, Schultz is a longtime small business owner whose background includes work as a childcare provider, educator and corporate law paralegal. Schultz would fully fund special education, opposes the 20-year sales tax break for data centers and wants Kansans to be able to put issues on the ballot through citizen initiatives. She also wants to raise teacher pay.
Bill Sutton (Republican, incumbent)
Bill Sutton has represented District 43 since 2013. He chairs the House Insurance Committee and sits on the Appropriations, Commerce and Elections committees. A Gardner resident born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Sutton has worked for Steel & Pipe Supply and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. His wife, Lana Sutton, is a member of the Gardner Edgerton school board. His campaign emphasizes lowering taxes, supporting law enforcement and advancing policies that protect children and families.
Thanks for reading! If you value having an independent news outlet keeping tabs on local government, schools and taxes, we're asking you to contribute to our Education Reporting Fund.
