Selected House district races in Johnson County

Age: 32

Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, politics and economics and in government, Claremont McKenna College; juris doctorate, George Mason University School of Law

Occupation: Lawyer

Elected experience: State representative, January 2013 — present

Website: mcphersonforkansas.com

Kansans deserve a government that is accountable to the people it represents. I have a proven record of standing up to special interests to rein in wasteful spending and standing up to a liberal Supreme Court who threatened to close our schools. I have been an outspoken advocate for limited government and fiscal responsibility and will continue to be a conservative leader in my next term.

Age: 47

Education: Bachelor’s in communication studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom/community volunteer

Previous occupations: Project coordinator, Union Station Assistance Corp.; committee staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; caseworker, U.S. Sen. John C. Danforth, Kansas City district office

Elected experience: Prairie Village City Councilwoman, Ward 5, 1999-2003

Website: pattymarkley.com

My vision for Kansas includes a transparent, fiscally sound government that promotes business development, provides for public safety and good, safe roads and supports education. I’ve lived in Johnson County for over 20 years, and I’ve served at all levels of government. I know what it takes to govern, and I am ready to take on the challenge.

Kansas House District 14, Republicans

Age: 56

Education: Bachelor’s in music, Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan1982

Occupation: Software development consultant

Elected experience: District 14 representative, 2013-present

Website: KeithEsau.com

I’ve fought through the “politics as usual,” championing reforms to make a meaningful impact. My priority is achieving real results that matter for your family and mine. I will do what it takes to make a difference in Topeka.

Age: 44

Education: Pacific, Mo., High School, 1990; Central Missouri State University/UCM, English/creative writing, nondegree, 1990-1992

Occupation: Technical writer for FireMon

Elected experience: None

Website: LeesaGabel.com

Kansas needs leaders committed to doing what is best for the people of their district — not special interest groups or personal agendas. I will bring a fresh perspective to Topeka and work passionately to improve the future for all Kansans. To be a representative who is present — not only during session or election years. I promise to be accessible all year long.

Kansas House District 15, Republicans

Age: 44

Education: Bachelor’s in management and human relations, MidAmerica Nazarene University; juris doctor, University of Kansas School of Law

Occupation: Lawyer

Elected experience: Kansas House of Representatives, 2014-present

Website: www.reperindavis.com

I believe votes are earned by doing the job I was hired to do, achieving meaningful results for my constituents: Record $6 billion K-12 funding and ensuring that money goes into the classroom; property tax reform, saving homeowners more than $1 billion; advocating for the disabled by sponsoring the ABLE Act and supporting improved educational outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing students; standing strong for pro-family, pro-life values.

Age: 69

Education: G.E.D.; Associate degree equivalent, electronic technician, Gateway Electronics, Omaha, Neb.

Occupation: Disabled since 2010. Decorated eight-year Navy veteran, 1974-82

Elected experience: None

Website: None

Age: 55

Education: Bachelor’s in political science, Washburn University; bachelor’s in elementary education, Pittsburg State University; master’s in curriculum and instruction, Emporia State University; master’s, educational administration, Emporia State.

Occupation: Teacher, Olathe School District, 2004-present; teacher, Linwood-Basehor School District, 2003-2004; child care director, The Goddard School. Past occupations: North Slope Borough (Barrow, Alaska), early childhood education; Northwest Arctic Borough (Kotzebue, Alaska); legislative assistant to Kansas Senate President Bud Burke; legislative intern for Kansas State Rep. Ginger Barr.

Elected experience: None. Elected to serve on the Olathe NEA executive board.

Website: palcicforkansas.com

There was a time when our elected officials worked collaboratively to make solid legislation benefiting all Kansans. Working in a collaborative manner often requires compromises. Unfortunately, in our current political environment, compromise has taken on a negative connotation. As an educator, I understand the importance of functioning as a team member. I will work with a team of 125 House members ensuring the needs of the 15th District are heard!

Age: 30

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and history, master’s degree in journalism, both from the University of Kansas

Occupation: Vice president at Strat Property Management Inc., a self-storage operator

Elected experience: None

Website: www.tom-cox.org

Our state needs new leadership. We need representatives that engage in our community and that are voting for policies for their district, not that benefit themselves and their personal ideologies. I am born and raised in Shawnee. I have attended Kansas public schools K-grad school. I love this state and I want to work day and night to make sure the future generations have the same opportunities I did growing up here.

Age: 35

Education: Bachelor’s, animal science, Kansas State University

Occupation: Consultant for electronic medical software

Elected experience: State representative, 2011-present

Website: www.Brett4Kansas.com

I have a proven voting history supporting the positions of the Shawnee Mission School District, free market principles, personal privacy and the rule of law. I will continue to prioritize these issues in the Kansas Legislature.

Kansas House District 30, Republicans

Age: 67

Education: Bachelor’s in government, University of Texas; master’s in government, University of Missouri; juris doctor, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Occupation: Retired IRS estate tax attorney (1979-2010)

Elected experience: none

Website: none

We need to return sanity to Kansas income tax. Brownback’s ghastly 2012 changes have cut state revenue by $650 million a year. Reinstate the taxation of “pass-through income.” That singular change will solve most money problems. It is not fair for some (more wealthy) taxpayers to avoid all state income tax while the general population pays tax on earned income. That 4.6 percent flat maximum marginal tax rate will burden no one.

Did not answer

Kansas House District 78, Republicans

Age: 43

Education: Gardner Edgerton High School; undergrad classes at Johnson County Community College

Occupation: Stay-at-home/work-at-home /homeschool dad. When working, I work in investments and insurance.

Elected experience: none

Website: www.allenclaytonks.com

As a parent of two children, one whom I homeschool and one who goes to public school, I have a unique perspective on the pending constitutional crisis in school funding. My background in finance and economics gives me a unique skill set to deal with the issue. I believe in leadership and accountability. People should vote for me because I see my constituents as they are, people who just want a better Kansas for their kids.

Age: 44

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Occupation: Business consultant and contractor

Elected experience: Olathe City Council, Kansas House of Representatives 2013-present

Website: www.repronryckman.com

Kansans are principled, well-educated, family-oriented, community-driven and business friendly. As your representative, I encourage opportunities that reflect our shared values, protect our way of life and promote the freedoms we enjoy. Finding solutions, producing results and enacting the best possible policy requires patience, a willingness to listen and learn and the courage to stand alone sometimes. My priority is to represent you with integrity, efficacy and accountability in everything I do.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Selected House district races in Johnson County."