LAWRENCE, Kan. — Voters in Kansas House District 10 will decide on Aug. 4 whether to nominate a new Democratic candidate or return first-term incumbent Suzanne Wikle to the ballot this fall. No Republican has filed for the seat, and political observers expect the Democratic primary to effectively determine who will represent much of eastern and southeastern Lawrence in the Kansas House beginning in 2027.
Challenger TJ Campsey, a Lawrence brewer and progressive activist, has built his campaign around the argument that House District 10 should send a more outspoken progressive voice to Topeka.
A Longtime Lawrence Resident
Campsey grew up in Leavenworth before moving to Lawrence in 2001. Outside politics, he works professionally as a brewer at Free State Brewing Co in Lawrence and has become involved in local progressive organizing over the years.
While Campsey is a political newcomer compared to his opponent, he argues that his experience as a working-class Kansan gives him firsthand insight into the economic pressures many residents face.
“I got involved in organizing around 2005 during the Iraq War, the movement against the war,” said Campsey. “Along with the Occupy Movement, the Housing Cooperative movement, and I did some labor organizing through Teamsters 696. Most recently, I’ve been involved in the anti-MAGA movement and Free Palestine.”
Supporters describe him as someone who represents grassroots activism over traditional politics. Campsey has embraced that distinction throughout the campaign, arguing that fresh perspectives are needed in Topeka.
Running as a Progressive Democrat
Campsey openly describes himself as representing the progressive wing of the Kansas Democratic Party.
Campsey emphasized that the Democratic Party includes a wide range of viewpoints, but said House District 10 is among the state’s most progressive districts and deserves representation reflecting those values.
“I’m really promoting unity across all of our differences because the GOP uses our differences to keep us weak and divided,” said Campsey. “I really want to stress that our common interests as workers is our strength.
“We need to be able to come together across those differences to build a multi-racial, multi-generational, gender diverse working class coalition that actually gets some wins.”
His campaign has focused on issues including:
- Expanding affordable housing
- Universal healthcare access
- Strengthening labor protections and workers’ rights
- Increased government transparency
- Public investment in education
- Economic policies benefiting working-class Kansans
- Protection of LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties
A majority of Campsey’s messaging argues that Kansas Democrats should advocate more aggressively for progressive priorities instead of pursuing subtle change.
“This is one of the most progressive districts in the state, and people really want something to rally around. People want their message to be heard. I’m putting forward in uniting the working class and putting forward demands that go much further than anything the Democratic caucus in Kansas has put forward in the past”
Support for Organized Labor
Labor issues are another defining feature of Campsey’s campaign. As a brewery worker, Campsey frequently discusses workplace rights and collective demands.
He has expressed support for organized labor and policies that strengthen unions while advocating for higher wages and improved workplace protections.
Campsey is endorsed by a variety of unions in Kansas and Missouri, including:
- CWA Local 6372
- IBEW 226
- Teamsters Local 696
If elected, Campsey’s first action will be to meet with and fight for unions.
“If I win, then I will bring them all to the table together to start talking about the Labor Bill of Rights,” said Campsey. “Have them be part of the conversation from the ground up. Not just those [unions] who have endorsed me.”
Housing and Cost of Living
One of Camsey’s recurring themes is affordability.
Like many Lawrence residents, voters have experienced rising housing costs and increasing property values in recent years.
Campsey argues that state governments should take a larger role in addressing housing affordability through expanded investment and stronger protections for renters.
He has also spoken about broader economic inequality, arguing that the legislatures should prioritize policies benefiting workers over corporate interests.
Education and Public Investment
Campsey supports continued investment in Kansas public schools and has argued that education funding should remain a priority.
His campaign has also emphasized access to healthcare including KanCare for all, affordable childcare, and other public services that he believes improve long-term economic opportunity.
Campsey frames these investments as both economic development and quality of life issues.
The Race and Stakes
House District 10 remains one of Kansas’ most Democratic legislative districts, making the Aug. 4 Democratic primary particularly significant. With no Republican candidate currently filed for the general election, the primary winner is expected to become the district’s next state representative.
For voters, the race is not about partisan differences but about what kind of Democratic representation they want in Topeka.
Campsey offers voters a platform centered on community organizing, progressive advocacy, labor issues, and fresh leadership.
Ultimately, it will be up to the Democratic primary voters in Lawrence’s House District 10 to decide what direction they want to take their district, do they continue with the incumbent or choose a challenger promising a more outspoken progressive approach to representing Lawrence in the Kansas Legislature?
Katherine Alvidrez is a first-generation Mexican American from Lyons, Kansas and a current resident of Lawrence, Kansas. She is a University of Kansas alum, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a concentration in Strategic Communications, as well as a Bachelor of Art in Global and International Studies.
