Former Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple appears to be returning to Kansas politics.
Whipple submitted a treasurer appointment form to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office expressing interest in running for the Kansas House District 83 seat currently held by Democrat Henry Helgerson.
“We are taking the first step,” Whipple said in a Facebook post seeking campaign donations.
Whipple also previously served in the Kansas Statehouse, representing District 86, which covers part of south Wichita. He held the seat from 2013 until he was sworn in as Wichita mayor in 2020.
Whipple lost to Lily Wu for re-election as mayor in 2023.
“After serving in the Legislature and as mayor, I’ve seen the direct impact of state-level decisions on families and felt I still had something to offer in terms of experience and results,” Whipple said in an email to the Eagle.
Whipple said he respects Helgeson even though he is running for the seat currently held by an Eastboro Democrat.
“It’s not about competing with someone, it’s about moving forward based on the ideas and experiences that I can bring to the table and a desire to be a positive voice in this community moving forward,” Whipple said.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Kansas House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard endorsed Helgeson for re-election.
“We firmly support Rep. Helgeson of House District 83, and we will do our best to ensure that he defeats any challenger in the August primary and November general election,” Woodard said in a statement. “He will have our full, unwavering support every step of the way.”
Whipple said he will focus on the issue of rising household costs during the campaign and if elected to his state House seat.
“I believe the focus needs to be on issues that directly impact Kansans’ daily lives, making health care more accessible, including ultimately expanding Medicaid, protecting basic freedoms, and addressing affordability challenges for working families, from child care to rising costs.”
As mayor, Whipple led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after being sworn in.
He has not been immune to controversy. During his re-election campaign, Wichita police body cameras captured Whipple getting into an argument with an officer as the officer tried to stop him from participating in a neighborhood cleanup.
The Eagle has reached out to Helgeson for comment but has not received a response from the publication.