<h2>Overland Park<br>Convention<br>Center</h2><p>6000 College Blvd<br>Overland Park, KS 66211</p>

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Your contributions help us reach more voters.

<h2>Thank you for investing in the future of JoCo</h2>

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<p><strong>We're excited to announce that on Saturday, August 16th, the </strong><a href="/gala"><strong>Forever the Free State Gala</strong></a><strong> is again returning to the Overland Park Convention Center. We're thrilled to welcome all of you in person for our event.</strong></p><p>Click <a href="https://my.onecause.com/organizations/cca8b4f8-8d55-4cb2-977c-9c523eade3ee/virtual-events/vevt:8488ff57-327c-4662-ba7d-66248e183e73" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> for more information or to buy a ticket or reserve your table.</p>

<h2><span style="color: var(--color-headline-secondary)">2025 Forever the Free State Gala</span></h2>

News

<h2>Headline Text Here</h2>

<p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kansasdems.org/">Kansas Democratic Party</a> believes government is at its best when it operates in the spirit of cooperation and compromise, rather than partisanship and enmity. We believe what brings us together is far stronger than what might pull us apart. We seek to protect the freedom of the individual, while working together to actively contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of our communities.</p><p>We believe that government has a responsibility to promote policies that provide economic and social justice, a clean environment and safe workplaces. In short, we believe that government has a responsibility to improve the human condition.</p>

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<h1>2026 Candidate Videos</h1>

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<p>Signs are in stock for pick up at our office at 8971 W. 75th St. in Overland Park.</p><p>Our office hours are:</p><p>Monday through Friday: 11:30 AM to 6 PM</p><p>Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM</p>

<h2>Harris/Walz Yard signs are here!</h2>

Yard Sign Form

<h1>2025 Election Info</h1>

<h1>2026 Election Info</h1>

News Post

<h1>Kansas Democratic Party</h1>

<h2>2026 Vote No Information</h2>

<p>For more information:</p><p><a href="https://kuic.org/">https://kuic.org/</a></p><p><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/</a></p><p><a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/statehouse-news/2025-03-20/voters-will-decide-how-to-pick-kansas-supreme-court-justices-but-how-many-will-cast-a-ballot">https://kansaspublicradio.org/statehouse-news/2025-03-20/voters-will-decide-how-to-pick-kansas-supreme-court-justices-but-how-many-will-cast-a-ballot</a></p>

<h2>Interested in hosting a yard sign? Click below to reserve your sign, available for pickup in Johnson County.<br></h2>

Call to Action

Dozens of local organizations and leaders are standing together!

<h2>Your Name for Political Office</h2>

<h5>What do my Gala donation funds support?</h5>

<h5>What is the attire for the event?</h5>

<h5>Is it a cash bar?</h5>

<h5>Where is parking?</h5>

<h5>Are there vegetarian options?</h5>

<h5>If I am hosting a table, how do I identify my guest list?</h5>

<h5>Is the venue ADA Accessible?</h5>

<p>What do my Gala donation funds support?</p>

<p>What is the attire for the event?</p>

<p>Is it a cash bar?</p>

<p>Where is parking?</p>

<p>Are there vegetarian options?</p>

<p>If I am hosting a table, how do I identify my guest list?</p>

<p>Is the venue ADA Accessible?</p>

<p>To see who's filed to run, check lists on the websites of the <a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx">Kansas Secretary of State</a> and the <a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/candidates-elected-officials/candidates">Johnson County Election Office</a> or <a href="/98408ee7-296c-4a2e-bb19-b478cbc5df6e">our voter guide for state and local races</a>!</p>

<h2>On 2026 ballots in Johnson County:</h2>

<h5>Federal Races</h5>

<h5>Statewide Races</h5>

<h5>State Board of Education Races</h5>

<h5>Kansas House Races</h5>

<h5>JoCo Board of Commissioners Races</h5>

<h5>Local Races</h5>

<h5>Township Clerk Races</h5>

<h5>Judicial Retention</h5>

<h5>Ballot Initiatives</h5>

Lists

<h2>State Board of Education</h2>

<h6>State Board of<br>Education 2</h6>

<h4>Melanie Haas*</h4>

<h6>State Board of<br>Education 4</h6>

<h4>Kris Meyer</h4>

<p>State Board of<br>Education 2</p>

<p>Melanie Haas*</p>

<p>State Board of<br>Education 4</p>

<p>Kris Meyer</p>

State Board of Education

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<h2>Newsletter</h2>

Newsletter

<p>For the most up-to-date information, please check <a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">JoCoElection.org</a>.<br>To check your voter registration or register to vote, go to <a href="https://ksvotes.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">KSvotes.org</a>.</p>

<h2>2026 Important Election Dates</h2>

<p>Oct. 13</p>

<p>OCT. 14</p>

<p>OCT. 17</p>

<p>OCT. 27</p>

<p>NOV. 3</p>

Timeline

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<h1>Event Calendar</h1>

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<p> Support and promote the election and re-election of <strong>Democratic Candidates </strong>to local, state, and national office. </p>

Mission

<h1><span style="color: var(--color-bg0);">Welcome to the Johnson County Democratic Party</span></h1>

<strong>Introduce the videos below</strong> with a short blurb.

<h2>Campaign Videos</h2>

<h4>Amy Diediker</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas Board of Education, District 3</strong></span></h5>

<h4>Henry Johns</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas House, District 5</span></h5>

<h4>Sherry Giebler</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas House, District 14</strong></span></h5>

<h4>Allison Hougland</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas House, District 15</span></h5>

<h4>Kristen Schultz</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas House, District 43</span></h5>

<h4>Kelsey Stock</h4><h5><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Kansas House, District 121</span></h5>

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<h1>2024 Gala</h1>

<h1>Donate</h1>

<h1>Contribute Redirect</h1>

<p><strong>We encourage you to vote for these Democratic candidates in state and local races.</strong></p>

<h2>2025 Democratic Candidates</h2>

<h5>Statewide Races<br></h5>

<h1><span style="color: var(--color-bg0);">Upcoming Events</span></h1>

<p><strong>Make sure you make these deadlines for registering and voting. </strong>To check your registration or look up your polling place, click here.</p>

<h2>2024 Election Dates</h2>

<p>Oct. 14</p>

<p>Oct. 25</p>

<p>oct. 28</p>

<p>nov. 4</p>

<h2>FOREVER THE FREE STATE GALA</h2><p>We're excited to announce that on Saturday, August 10th, the Forever the Free State Gala is returning to the Overland Park Convention center again this year. We're thrilled to welcome all of you in person for our event.</p><p>The annual gala is our primary fundraiser and we look forward to your continued support. Your generous donations keep our local office open year-round, allow us to hire and maintain a professional full-time staff, and fund our get-out-the-vote efforts.</p><p>Let’s join together on August 10th to continue building the <br>Democratic Party in Johnson County!</p>

<p>As <strong>Johnson County Democrats,</strong> our mission is to support and promote the election and re-election of Democratic candidates to local, state, and national office.</p>

<h2>2024-2026 Executive Board</h2>

<p><strong>Deann Mitchell, </strong>Chair<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:chair@jocodems.org">chair@jocodems.org</a></p>

<p><strong>Wes Garrison, </strong>Vice-Chair<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:vice.chair@jocodems.org">vice.chair@jocodems.org</a></p>

<p><strong>Anh Rongish, </strong>Secretary<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:secretary@jocodems.org">secretary@jocodems.org</a></p>

<p><strong>Mark Adams, </strong>Treasurer<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:treasurer@jocodems.org">treasurer@jocodems.org</a></p>

<h5>Executive Board Officers</h5>

<p><strong>Cole Robinson, </strong>Executive Director<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:cole@jocodems.org">cole@jocodems.org</a></p>

<p><strong>Jessica Persson, </strong>Volunteer Coordinator<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:jessica@jocodems.org">volunteer@jocodems.org</a></p>

<h5>Staff</h5>

<h5>Senate District Leaders</h5>

<h5>At-Large Members</h5>

<p>Executive Board Officers</p>

<p><strong>Senate 6</strong><br>Judy Snyder </p>

<p><strong>Senate 7</strong><br>Jennifer Day and Dan Wancura</p>

<p><strong>Senate 8</strong><br>Denise Riedel and Barton Stanley</p>

<p><strong>Senate 9</strong><br>Annette Dye and Ray Ramirez</p>

<p><strong>Senate 10</strong><br>Kristen Blackton and Tim Quinn</p>

<p><strong>Senate 11</strong><br>Linda Finkle and Richard Nobles</p>

<p><strong>Senate 21</strong><br>Scott Roby and Lori Slettehaugh</p>

<p><strong>Senate 23</strong><br>Rana Bentley and Mike Shimeall</p>

<p><strong>Senate 35</strong><br>Alan Marston and Becca Peck</p>

<p><strong>Senate 37</strong><br>Gerald Gentry and Theresa Sahhar</p>

<p>Executive Board Members</p>

<p>Staff</p>

<p>Sheila Albers</p>

<p>Danielle Robinson</p>

<p>Jill Rogers</p>

<p>Kristen Schultz</p>

<p>Richard Weast</p>

<p>At-Large Members</p>

<h2>2025 Important Election Dates</h2>

<p>Oct. 15</p>

<p>OCT. 25</p>

<p>NOV. 4</p>

<h2>Would you like to see more common sense,&nbsp;qualified Democrats elected to lead in Johnson County? Let's connect!</h2><p>Our party organizes volunteers to help elect Democrats to federal, state, and local offices. There are a variety of voter outreach tasks that we need your help with throughout the year. Read through some of our volunteer opportunities below and then scroll down to tell us how you'd like to be involved!</p><ul><li><p><strong>Knocking the doors</strong> (also known as <strong>canvassing</strong>) of the Democratic voters in Johnson County. Our data consistently shows that this is one of our best tools in increasing Democratic voter turnout. We provide training to equip new volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to share important election information with their neighbors. And it’s fun! If you are multi-lingual and willing to help reach voters who speak other languages, please include that in the "areas of expertise" box.</p></li><li><p><strong>Miscellaneous Voter Outreach Tasks</strong>. We need a strong team of volunteers willing to do tasks that help us reach more voters, including calling Democratic voters with election information, preparing voter guides for canvassing efforts, and occasionally writing letters or postcards to voters, among other things!</p></li><li><p><strong>Staffing the office</strong>. Our office in Overland Park is currently open weekdays and Saturdays and sees a lot of traffic before elections. We need volunteers willing to interact with the public, answer any questions they may have, help distribute yard signs, and help keep the face of our organization tidy and businesslike.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p><strong>Community outreach</strong>. The JoCo Dems will have a presence at events across the county in 2026. We need volunteers to represent the party at these events, hand out voter guides, and sign people up to volunteer.</p></li><li><p><strong>Running for office</strong>. While the filing deadline for 2026 has passed, there will be dozens of races on the ballot in Johnson County in 2027 and 2028. If you have interest in learning more about becoming a candidate, fill out this form and someone from our leadership team will contact you to discuss in more detail.</p></li><li><p><strong>Attending meetings and socials</strong>. If you’re not ready to commit to the above, join us at one of our meetings or socials! You’ll be able to meet like-minded neighbors and connect with your local Democratic volunteer community while hearing more about the happenings in your district. We’ll be in touch with the details of the meetings in your area.</p></li></ul>

<p>Looking for information on voting in Johnson County? <br></p>

<h2>Voter Information</h2>

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Voter Information

<p>Our core values call on all Kansans to work together to make our state an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family.</p><p>Kansas Democrats believe that, to express the democratic will of the people of Kansas, our government should encourage, enable, and facilitate the active participation in the political process of all people regardless of their race, color, age, physical abilities, economic status, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.</p><p>The Kansas Democratic Party asks the people of Kansas to examine our traditions of leadership, of upholding of core Kansas values, and of promoting expanded opportunities for every Kansan, and to then join us in moving our state forward to an even brighter tomorrow.</p>

<h1>Who We Are</h1>

<p>If you have comments, suggestions, or would just like to visit with us about issues affecting our community, <strong>please contact us.</strong> E-mail is preferred, and will provide the quickest response, but we are willing to use the mode of communication that suits you best.</p>

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<h2>We want to hear from you</h2>

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<h1>Volunteer Signup</h1>

<h2>Use this block to direct your viewers to an important action or link</h2>

<h2>THE 2026 FOREVER THE FREE STATE GALA</h2><p>The 11th annual Forever the Free State Gala was held on <strong>Saturday, Aug. 15</strong>, at the Overland Park Convention Center, featuring&nbsp;gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher, U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hamilton, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Governor Laura Kelly, and featured speaker Senator Mark Kelly.</p><p>Over 900 Democrats joined together to unite behind our 2026 candidates, celebrate our work in defeating the August constitutional amendment, and commit to working toward victory in November. It was an exciting and inspiring night! </p>

<h1>2024 Candidates</h1>

<h2>2025 FOREVER THE FREE STATE GALA</h2><p>On Saturday, August 16th, the Forever the Free State Gala again returned to the Overland Park Convention Center and we were thrilled to welcome over 500 people to support the efforts of the Johnson County Democratic Party. Their generous donations will keep our local office open year-round, allow us to hire and maintain a professional full-time staff, and fund our get-out-the-vote efforts.</p><p>To celebrate our 10th anniversary, this year's event featured a 360 Video Photo Booth by&nbsp;<a href="https://yourunforgettable.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">your Unforgettable</a>, and an After Party with a DJ, dancing, and open bar all the way up to midnight.</p><p></p><p><strong>SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026!</strong> <br>The Forever the Free State Gala will return for an eleventh year on Saturday, August 15, 2026.</p>

<h1>News + Press</h1>

<h2>2026 Forever the Free State Gala</h2>

Gallery

<p> are <strong>committed </strong>to putting the <strong>people of Kansas first</strong> by promoting values and polices that advance the common good for all Kansans through:</p>

<h2>Kansas Democrats</h2>

Bullets

<p>Event emcee</p>

<p>Renee Dinsmore</p>

<p><strong>Intro to the bios section</strong> can be written here.</p>

<h2>People With Bios</h2>

<h6>Event emcee</h6>

<h4>Renee Dinsmore</h4>

People With Bios

<h2>National</h2>

<h6>President</h6>

<h4>Kamala Harris</h4>

<h6>Vice president</h6>

<h4>Tim Walz</h4>

<h6>US Congress, Kansas Congressional District 3</h6>

<h4>Rep. Sharice Davids*</h4>

<p>President</p>

<p>Kamala Harris</p>

<p>Vice president</p>

<p>Tim Walz</p>

<p>US Congress, Kansas Congressional District 3</p>

<p>Rep. Sharice Davids*</p>

National

<h1>Contact</h1>

<p>On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, the Forever the Free State Gala returned to the Overland Park Convention Center with over 500 people in attendance to support the efforts of the Johnson County Democratic Party. Their generous donations will keep our local office open year-round, allow us to hire and maintain a professional full-time staff, and fund our get-out-the-vote efforts.</p><p>To celebrate our 10th anniversary, this year's event featured a 360 Video Photo Booth by&nbsp;<a href="https://yourunforgettable.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">your Unforgettable</a>, and an After Party with a DJ, dancing, and open bar all the way up to midnight.</p>

<h2>FOREVER THE FREE STATE GALA</h2>

<h1>2026 Candidate Guide</h1>

<h1>About</h1>

<h1><p>Johnson County Voter Information</p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);"><sup>How, Where, and When to Vote</sup></span><br></p></h1>

<h1>Issues</h1>

<h5></h5>

<p>Use the calendar below to <strong>stay up-to-date</strong> on all the great events available throughout Johnson County!</p>

<h2>Calendar of Events</h2>

Events

THE 2026 FOREVER THE FREE STATE GALA

2026 Forever the Free State Gala

12th annual forever the free state gala

Saturday, August 14, 2027