The top Democrat in the Kansas House is backing Democratic state Sen. Ethan Corson of Fairway in the Kansas governor’s race.
Rep. Brandon Woodard of Lenexa said he believes that Corson is a consensus-builder who can help House Democrats win elections.
Corson’s main Democratic challenger is state Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park.
“I’m voting for Ethan, not against Cindy,” Woodard said in an email.
“My focus remains on who can help the Kansas House Democrats build the infrastructure to win elections, make gains, and then govern,” Woodard said.
“As executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, he helped lead successful campaigns for governor, Congress and the state legislature.
“In the Senate, he has built consensus to help us eliminate the food sales tax, fully fund our public schools, and to protect voting rights.
“As governor, he will make it more affordable to live, work, and raise a family in Kansas.”
Holscher has picked up her share of support from other Democrats in the House.
Last year, Holscher announced endorsements from Reps. Linda Featherston of Overland Park, Heather Meyer of Overland Park, Brooklynne Mosley of Lawrence, KC Ohaebosim of Wichita, Jarrod Ousley of Merriam, Louis Ruiz of Kansas City and Susan Ruiz of Shawnee.
Holscher said Woodard has the right to back the candidate of his choice.
“I remain confident that I’m the best Democratic candidate in this race that can take on extremists like Ty Masterson and put working families first,” she said in a statment.
“Our message is resonating and the polls prove that. Kansans are looking for someone who has their backs, not those of the establishment in Topeka,” she said.
Asked about the fact that several others in his caucus support Holscher, the Democratic leaders said, “It’s wonderful to have a strong bench for our House members to choose from in this primary.
“That’s why you have about half of the caucus leaning one way or another, and plenty others who aren’t taking a public position,” Woodard said.
“Part of leadership is making decisions based on all of the information you have in front of you, and I’m doing that in this race,” he said.
“I have been focused on meeting Kansans across the state and listening to what they care about in this election,” Woodard said.
“Kansans want the next governor to have a Legislature that will actually enact the policies that show that we give a damn, we hear them, and we will work to pass laws help them and their families.
“The beauty of primaries is that Kansas Democrats get to choose who will be our nominee. Both candidates have coalitions of prairie progressives.”
