According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office, United Kansas has met the requirements to become a registered political party in the state, making it one of only three small political parties operating in the state.
The party began a campaign to gather supporters two months ago, seeking the legally required 19,548 signatures, or 2 percent of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. United Kansas joins No Labels Kansas, which was recognized as a minor party in January, and the Kansas Libertarian Party, which has been recognized since 1992.
The party states its mission is “to unite Kansas around shared values and common goals,” emphasizing multiparty dialogue, grassroots community activism, and inclusion of all Kansans. The party’s key issues include promoting a business-friendly environment, affordable health care, quality and continued funding for education, promoting civic engagement, modernizing infrastructure, and protecting the environment.
In a letter posted on its website, United Kansas Party Chairman Jack Curtis advocates for fusion voting to reform the Democratic Party’s election process into one that is more cooperative.
“Allowing cross-nomination of candidates ensures that these parties have a genuine interest in the electoral process and are not sidelined as potential obstructionists. Not only will this amplify diverse voices, it will also encourage the major parties to adopt more moderate and inclusive stances, leading to a more balanced political environment,” Curtis wrote.
Serving alongside Curtis as party chairs are Vice Chair Sally Coble, a former Republican state education commissioner, and independent treasurer Aaron Estabrook, a former Manhattan City Commissioner and USD 383 school board member.
The party can select a candidate for the November election through a convention or caucuses by June 3. If the party’s gubernatorial candidate receives more than 5% of the vote statewide, a statewide primary can be held.
