Kansas House of Representatives District 54 in Kansas State House District 54, Kansas

2026 Primary Election

• Chris Tanner — Property manager in Topeka, KS

  Chris Tanner is a lifelong Kansan and Topeka resident for over 30 years, running as a Democrat for Kansas House of Representatives District 54. With a background as a property manager, maintenance worker, pastor, and community volunteer, he is driven by personal experience with healthcare costs, inspiring his support for affordable healthcare, including Medicaid expansion. His platform also advocates for lower property taxes, strong public schools, better jobs, and protecting constitutional rights. He believes in practical leadership focused on working families.

• Ken Corbet — Incumbent Member of the Kansas House of Representatives in Topeka, KS

  Ken Corbet, an incumbent Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives for District 54, was born in Topeka in 1948. A graduate of Auburn High School who attended Baker and Washburn Universities, he has been a Shawnee County business owner for over 30 years. Corbet assumed office in 2013 and is seeking re-election to continue representing his community. He champions traditional Republican values, focusing on reducing property taxes, growing the economy, defending constitutional rights, and protecting the unborn. He aims to serve his constituents by promoting policies that foster growth and prosperity for Kansas.

• Melvin Hicks — Public Adjuster in Carbondale, KS

  Melvin Hicks, a Carbondale, Kansas resident, is running for State Representative in District 54 in the 2026 election. Recently retired from a property and casualty claims management role, he is applying for a public adjuster's license, driven by a desire to address an unmet need in Kansas. His candidacy is fueled by personal experiences with complex insurance claims and a commitment to reform public adjusting practices. Hicks advocates for legislation that would introduce an hourly rate for public adjusters, aiming to eliminate financial incentives for inflating claims. He states his work is guided by Christian values, prioritizing ethical service over monetary gain.