Kansas House District 49 covers portions of Olathe and southern Overland Park in south-central Johnson County. See a district map to see its boundaries.
Democratic incumbent Rep. Nikki McDonald is running for reelection against Republican Tricia Sinclair.
Learn more about the candidates, who are listed in alphabetical order.
Nikki McDonald (Democratic, incumbent)
Nikki McDonald was chosen by precinct leaders to fill a vacancy in District 49 in late 2023. She then won a full term in 2024 and now serves on the Education Funding Task Force rewriting the school finance formula. A former Olathe teacher who now teaches adult English language learners at Johnson County Community College, McDonald founded the Olathe Public Education Network. McDonald opposes arbitrary property tax caps and a flat income tax, and she supported the Chiefs stadium deal.
Tricia Sinclair (Republican)
Tricia Sinclair has served as treasurer for a Kansas state senator, according to a campaign survey she completed for local chambers of commerce. An assistant professor teaching accounting, finance, economics and entrepreneurship, Sinclair has worked as a corporate controller, business owner and consultant and administers a family farm. Sinclair supports a 3% cap on property tax increases unless voters approve more. She says special education must be fully funded alongside a review of the school finance formula.
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