Kansas House District 23 incumbent will face off against Democrat
Rep. Linda Gallagher (Republican)
Age: 59
Education: Bachelor of science in journalism, University of Kansas
Occupation: Freelance writer and editor
Elected experience: State Rep., District 23, 2015-present; Republican precinct committeewoman, Lenexa Ward 3-Precinct 1 (2000-2006 and 2008-present)
Website: www.LindaGallagher.org
I am focusing on economic recovery, our children and schools, and common-sense reform to restore the reputation of our state. Kansas must craft fiscally sound tax and budget policies, including comprehensive revenue reform. We need to adequately fund essential services, including education, social services, highways and public safety. I am an advocate for early-childhood programs and safety-net programs for our most vulnerable citizens. I believe in freeing local governments of Topeka’s intrusion and getting out of Kansans’ personal lives. I am a 34-year Lenexa resident, a mom and a longtime Shawnee Mission School District volunteer and Girl Scout leader.
Amber Versola (Democrat)
Age: 35
Education: Completed over 70 hours through the University of Kansas and Fort Hays State University, majoring in exercise science and political science, and plan to finish studies as time and finances permit
Occupation: Community organizer and trainer
Elected experience: Served as the vice president of the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus for the past four years, and previously as their Kansas legislative chair; former Community Forums and Political Action Chair with the Johnson County NAACP; former Kansas NAACP PAC committee member; and formerly named an Emerging Leader with the National Breast Cancer Coalition
Website: www.amberversola.com
Every district deserves a representative who will fight for them. The divisive political climate in Kansas prevented my opponent from doing that — her own party blocked her from crucial committees and votes. That same majority party refused to prioritize infrastructure, health care, and public education. The bipartisan solutions our state needs must be represented by more than one party. As a Democrat, I am ready to be a part of those solutions and to move Kansas forward, restoring the balance in the statehouse. The 23rd District can count on me to represent their voice every single day.
Linda Gallagher
REPUBLICAN
Age: 59
Education: Bachelor of science in journalism, University of Kansas
Occupation: Freelance writer and editor
Elected experience: State Rep., District 23, 2015-present; Republican precinct committeewoman, Lenexa Ward 3-Precinct 1 (2000-2006 and 2008-present)
Website: www.LindaGallagher.org
I am focusing on economic recovery, our children and schools, and common-sense reform to restore the reputation of our state. Kansas must craft fiscally sound tax and budget policies, including comprehensive revenue reform. We need to adequately fund essential services, including education, social services, highways and public safety. I am an advocate for early-childhood programs and safety-net programs for our most vulnerable citizens. I believe in freeing local governments of Topeka’s intrusion and getting out of Kansans’ personal lives. I am a 34-year Lenexa resident, a mom and a longtime Shawnee Mission School District volunteer and Girl Scout leader.
This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 5:28 PM.