Incumbents Ousted in Kansas House and County Primaries

Voters across Kansas held primary elections on August 5, 2026, resulting in significant turnover for the state House and the selection of Republican nominees for local government. In the Kansas House, three incumbents lost their seats. Democratic Representative Henry Helgerson of Wichita was defeated by former Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, and Democratic Representative Ford Carr lost to Bonita Gooch.

In the Republican primary, Representative Ken Collins was ousted by retired pastor Dan Muter. Muter linked Collins' campaign to the American Conservative Fund, a political action committee that spent roughly $486,000 across eight House races to promote legislation favoring sports betting platforms. Other House results included Al Jirak winning the nomination for the seat vacated by House Speaker Dan Hawkins, while Representative Lance Neelly maintained a narrow 25-vote lead over Mike Stieben in the 42nd District.

Simultaneously, six Southeast Kansas counties held primaries to determine Republican nominees for county commissioner. Winners include Mike Hueston and Joe Allen in Bourbon County, Scott Boyes in Cherokee County, Bruce Blair in Crawford County, Vincent Schibi in Labette County, Tom Giefer in Neosho County, and JR Williamson in Woodson County. These officials will manage budgets, infrastructure, and public health services if elected to four-year terms in November.