Davis Aims to Shake Up Kansas Representation
TOPEKA —Christy Davis, a Cottonwood Falls Democrat and longtime advocate for rural communities, has officially launched her campaign to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in the 2026 election. Davis, one of three Democrats vying for the party’s nomination, said she is determined to broaden Kansas’ voice in Washington and counter what she views as the hyper-partisan politics embraced by Marshall.
“All Kansans are served by their elected officials, or should be,” Davis said during a recent Kansas Reflector podcast. “When you’re elected to the U.S. Senate, you’re representing everyone in the state regardless of who they voted for.”
Background and Political Experience
Kansas State University graduate Susan Davis has a deep background in Kansas public life, serving as a preservation officer and leading Symphony in the Flint Hills, a nonprofit focused on conserving endangered landscapes. She served as the USDA’s state director of rural development under the Biden administration, overseeing $1.3 billion in investments across Kansas.
Davis’ experience in rural and urban areas provides a unique understanding of challenges faced by both rural and urban Kansans. Her family’s history of service, including World War II service and advocating for the Affordable Care Act, also resonates with voters. Davis has overcome personal health challenges, including a double mastectomy, and believes it’s easier to fight for what’s right.
Policy Vision and Campaign Issues
Kansan Democratic candidate Susan Davis is focusing on practical solutions rather than partisan fights. She pledges to prioritise affordable housing, rising living costs, and support for rural hospitals, especially as Medicaid funding faces threats.
Davis opposes the use of tax dollars for private schools and rejects proposals to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. She also opposes the 2022 Kansas constitutional amendment that sought stricter abortion restrictions and criticised Republican efforts to defund USAID, calling them an embarrassment and undermining America’s role in combating global food insecurity.
Facing Long Odds in a Republican Stronghold
Despite her credentials and statewide experience, Davis faces an uphill battle. Kansas hasn’t elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1932, and both Senate seats have been firmly in Republican hands since 1939. Marshall, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, is expected to leverage Kansas’ conservative leanings as he campaigns for reelection. Still, Davis argues that her record working in every county of Kansas sets her apart.
“Kansans need to know that they’re being heard, not just the ones who are invited to private meetings,” she said. “The key is garnering support, raising money early, and beginning the hard work.” Her Democratic rivals in the August 2026 primary are Michael Soetaert of Wellington and Anne Parelkar of Overland Park. The winner will move on to challenge Marshall in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the state.
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A Call to Action for Voters
Davis concluded her campaign announcement with a call for civic engagement. “Kansans deserve the best representation, and we’re not getting it in Washington. Register to vote, show up at the polls, and help however you can,” she urged.
With her background in rural development, her advocacy for public education, and her personal story of resilience, Davis hopes to galvanise voters who feel left out of Kansas politics. Her campaign is shaping up to be a test of whether a Democrat can make inroads in a state dominated by Republican politics for nearly a century.
