With several controversial issues on the political landscape dividing Kansans, it is no wonder that the 2019 Kansas Governor's race is already getting heated. Three and a half years into the term of the incumbent, who has one of the lowest approval on record, Kansans are certainly ready for something new. One week into the campaign season, here is what we know.
The Free State Party is still denying that humans are responsible for our changing climate. Both candidates that have announced intentions to run for Governor on behalf of the Free State Party, Jack Griswald and Brandon Boyce, have confirmed that they support the use of agricultural and energy practices that are detrimental to our economy and that they will strictly oppose any regulation of these dangerous practices. In true Free State Party fashion, the candidates also deny healthcare as a basic human right. Griswald and Boyce have both made clear their intentions to oppose the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the extension of Medicare in Kansas. Other issues that are sure to be high up on the candidate's platforms are using tax-payer dollars to "strengthen" public education, and criminal justice reform which could take dangerous offender's and put them back on the streets. While little is known about Jack Griswald or Brandon Boyce on a personal level, we hope to find out more when they publicly announce their intentions to run for the Governor's office this Thursday at 11:00 am CT. One thing we do know; however, is that these two candidates seem to be strictly adhere to the Free State Party platform and have shied away from mentioning their stance on other controversial issues such as abortion, LGBTQ rights, or gun control.
Griswald and Boyce will face two impressive opponents, Sebastian Uriarte and Isabella Southwick, who are running against one another to be the Sunflower Party nominee. Both Southwick and Uriarte will also announce their candidacy this Thursday shortly following Griswald and Boyce's announcements. Some things they will likely talk about are their dedication to protecting the environment and providing incentives to farmers and industries who adopt environmentally-friendly practices. The Sunflower Party has a long history of acknowledging the reality of climate change and the scientific consensus that human activity dangerously contributes to the health of our Planet. It will be eye-opening to see the different solutions Uriarte and Southwick propose in order to save the lives of our children, grandchildren, and all future generations. Another issue that is sure to come up frequently throughout the campaign is the extension of Medicare in Kansas. This is an issue that remains very prominent and steadfast on the Sunflower Party Platform, as they view healthcare as a basic human right that should be afforded to all Kansans. This expansion will promote wellness and preventive care, lower ridiculously high premiums, and expand coverage for previously uninsured Kansans. It is expected that both Uriarte and Southwick will both support their Party's position regarding the Medicare expansion.
This early on in the campaign, it is still any of the four candidate's games. However, we do know from early polls that the majority of those who intend to vote are of the Millineal and Gen Z generations, those born in the 1980's or later. Pew Research Data collected on the opinions of individuals in these generations are more likely to believe that climate change is due to human activity which could mean a slight advantage for the Sunflower Party among these voters. Another issue that Gen Zers and Millennials appear to be passionate about is the treatment of non-binary individuals who do not identify as a man or woman. About 50% believe that society is not accepting enough of non-binary individuals. It will be interesting to see if any of the candidates make a public statement regarding this issue and how that may affect their popularity among these generations.
Certainly more information will surface following the candidate's announcements this Thursday, and Sunflower Action News will continue to bring you the latest up-to-date coverage of the already heated 2019 Kansas Governor's race.
