Kansas House of Representatives District 72 in Kansas State House District 72, Kansas

2026 Primary Election

• Matthew L Smith — Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Abilene, KS

  Matt Smith is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas' 19th Congressional District in the 2026 Republican primary election. He advocates for pro-life policies, parental involvement in education, and protecting girls' sports, while opposing federal mandates on gender ideology. Smith supports expanding domestic oil and gas production, leveraging nuclear energy, and reversing anti-energy policies. He plans to work with President Trump on border security, ending illegal immigration, and stopping cartel trafficking. He also champions lower taxes, fewer regulations, and safeguarding West Texas' agriculture economy from federal overreach.

• Avery Anderson — Incumbent State Representative in KS

  Avery Anderson is an incumbent member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing District 72 since January 2021. He is a candidate for re-election in the 2024 Kansas General Election. Anderson champions small businesses, advocating for infrastructure improvements and reduced regulation and taxation to stimulate job growth. He also supports the state's agriculture sector and focuses on educational results that prepare students for real-world opportunities. Anderson is active in legislative discussions, including overseeing state building committees and agency budgets.

• Michael Stavola — Youth Ministry Worker in Wichita, KS

  Michael Stavola, a Republican for the Kansas House, aims to fix a state legislature he describes as corrupt and irresponsible. His 15-year journalism career, notably with The Wichita Eagle, involved exposing government corruption and advocating for change. He recently left journalism to work with youth and volunteers with community nonprofits. Stavola criticizes legislators for failing on property tax relief and increasing spending, advocating for common-sense solutions. He stresses accountability to constituents over special interests and supports self-imposed term limits, believing public office is for service, not a career. His campaign is endorsed by community leaders and Newton pastors.