The Star endorses Democrats’ clear choice in Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District
Democratic voters in Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District have an easy choice in the Aug. 4 primary that features first-term Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla and graduate teaching assistant James Windholz.
De La Isla, a former Topeka City Council member, is the superior option to face either embattled freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins, Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner or former Kansas Department of Administration Secretary Dennis Taylor, all of whom are seeking the Republican nomination.
De La Isla, 43, is an up-and-coming political star who could be competitive in this slightly Republican-leaning district that is currently represented by a freshman incumbent who is charged with three felonies related to mail and voter fraud.
De La Isla, Topeka’s first Latina mayor, was elected to the Topeka City Council in 2013. Windholz, a political science graduate student and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Kansas, lacks political experience and declined to interview with The Star Editorial Board.
If elected to Congress, De La Isla said she would represent the interests of all Kansans, regardless of political affiliation.
“My focus, should I win, is going to be to continue building relationships across the district and making sure I am seen and present,” she told The Star Editorial Board. “Treat people as humans, as Kansans and not as a party.”
De La Isla has made health care policy a focus — she supports free COVID-19 testing and Medicaid expansion. A cancer survivor, she has pledged to protect the Affordable Care Act, as well as federal funding for Medicaid while still providing private insurance options.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
“Once, hopefully, I get to Congress, my role would be, No. 1: Ensure that those dollars going out to the states are still available,” De La Isla said. “The second thing is to ensure the Affordable Care Act is still available for us.”
She also champions a strong public school system, improving roadways and providing rural broadband access. Immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people is a priority, as is improving the Farm Bill.
Lived experience is a strength for the New York-born, Puerto Rico-raised De La Isla, who faced poverty as a child, was homeless at 17 and pregnant at 19. She would later head Topeka’s Habitat for Humanity and work as a diversity and inclusion representative for Evergy.
While the Republican nomination is still up for grabs, there is no question that Michelle De La Isla would be a major upgrade from the failed incumbent. She’s Kansas Democrats’ best hope in November in the 2nd Congressional District, and she’s earned The Star’s endorsement.