Rep. Cyndi Howerton, a Wichita Republican, is trying to keep her Kansas House seat red. 

Republicans have won this seat four of the last five elections. She’s challenged by nonprofit founder Carol Brewer. 

Election Day is Nov. 5. Oct. 15 is the last day to register to vote. Early voting starts Oct. 16. You can find your polling place and the races you vote in here. 

Who are the candidates in Kansas House District 98?

Democrat Carol Brewer 

Brewer founded the nonprofit Dorothy’s Lane, which helps Kansans get emergency food, clothing and medical resources. She’s a mother of 10 children — three biological and seven adopted. Brewer’s also a foster parent who has cared for 70 children. 

She’s won the Presidential Gold Volunteer Award three times.

“A Kansas native, (she) embodies the values of honesty, integrity and service instilled in her by her family,” Brewer said. 

She’s endorsed by the Kansas branch of the AFL-CIO, Cannabis Justice Coalition-Kansas, the Kansas National Education Association and Game On for Kansas Schools. 

Her campaign website is here. 

Republican Cyndi Howerton (Incumbent) 

Howerton took office in 2021 after a special election. She’s the vice chair of the Water Committee and a member of the Taxation, Child Welfare and Foster Care, and Legislative Modernization committees. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and works as a tax service manager. Howerton also volunteers as a parent advocate with AgapeCare Cradle, where she helps families deal with infant loss. 

“As a daughter of educators, a manager of a significant business, a veteran’s wife and a pillar of her community, Cyndi embodies the leadership and empathy needed to make a positive impact in state politics,” her campaign website said. 

She’s endorsed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, NFIB-Kansas, the Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Family Voice and the Kansas Rifle Association. 

Her campaign website is here. 

Howerton didn’t respond to the questionnaire. Responses are from her voting history and campaign website. 

If elected, which of these politicians would you most closely resemble?

Options include: Joe Biden, Sharice Davids, Bob Dole, Nancy Kassebaum, Laura Kelly, Roger Marshall, Jerry Moran, Donald Trump or someone else.

Brewer: If elected, I aspire to embody the values and principles exemplified by my late father, Mayor Carl Brewer. Raised under his guidance, I have inherited a deep commitment to compassion, fairness and community service. My father was a dedicated advocate for the people of Wichita, Kansas, believing wholeheartedly in the importance of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their rights. He championed the needs of families and children, emphasizing the responsibility to support those who cannot advocate for themselves.

These foundational values have shaped my professional journey, leading me to a career dedicated to advocating for individuals in need. I am passionate about fighting for justice and ensuring that every voice is heard. I am committed to continuing my father’s legacy of service and advocacy, striving to create a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Howerton: Howerton didn’t respond to the questionnaire. 

If you could pass any bill, what would it be and why? 

Brewer: I firmly believe that Medicaid expansion is the most critical issue we face today. The closure of rural hospitals and clinics has severely limited access to health care, resulting in individuals not receiving timely care and, tragically, losing loved ones. 

This suffering is exacerbated by partisan politics, which often prioritize party loyalty over the health of our communities. We must prioritize the well-being of our families, the working conditions of health care providers and the future of our next generations. 

Medicaid expansion is not just a policy issue; it is a matter of life and death for many, and it deserves our urgent attention. Prevention is better than cure, the employment increase locally, regionally and statewide will also put more funds in our local economy.

Howerton: Howerton sponsored the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. This law requires doctors to give medical care to babies delivered alive after an abortion. Supporters pushed for this law because they believe medical providers leave children to die if they survive an abortion. It is a felony for doctors to not provide care to these infants. 

She’s also introduced a bill to create a citizens’ election oversight review board to investigate complaints during elections. 

How would you have voted on the following items? You can vote yes, no or pass. 

The Aug. 2, 2022, constitutional amendment on abortion

Voting no meant the state constitution would continue to protect the right to abortion. Voting yes would have meant it can be regulated or banned. 

Brewer: No. Voting no on the constitutional amendment regarding abortion signifies a commitment to preserving the right to abortion as protected by the state constitution. This decision reflects the belief that individuals should have the autonomy to make personal medical decisions without excessive government interference. By voting no, constituents ensure that access to abortion remains safeguarded, allowing for necessary reproductive health care options. The amendment’s failure to pass indicates a preference for maintaining existing protections and highlights the importance of reproductive rights in the ongoing societal and political discourse. Upholding these rights is essential for promoting individual freedom and health equity. 

Howerton: Yes. Vote YES so you will have a voice in abortion legislation in Kansas. A no vote and you will have no voice to influence what happens in Kansas law. We need representation of the people to decide our laws, not a court system.

Flat tax on income

A flat tax on income was packaged with property tax cuts and eliminating Social Security income tax. Democrats and Republicans agreed on other parts of the plan, but were at odds over a flat tax. A single rate on income didn’t pass this year.

Brewer: No. A flat tax system can disproportionately affect lower-income individuals, as it does not take into account the ability to pay, potentially leading to increased financial strain on those who are already struggling. Additionally, the failure of this proposal indicates that there is significant opposition and a desire for a more progressive tax system that ensures higher earners contribute a fairer share. Maintaining a more equitable tax structure is essential for supporting public services and addressing income inequality.

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voter guide, but legislators who supported the tax package said Kansans needed tax relief — especially with billions in state surplus. 

Banning transgender women from women’s sports

Banning transgender women from women’s sports. Voting yes would mean athletes have to compete as the gender they’re assigned at birth. This bill was vetoed but the veto was overridden in 2022. 

Brewer: Pass.

Howerton: Yes. Today we can choose to be whoever we want to be. That is the freedom granted to us in this amazing country that we live in. But regardless of who we choose to be, the fact still remains that biological women should not have to compete with the biological male in any sport.

Banning gender-affirming care for trans youth

Voting yes means children under 18 can’t get puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and in rare cases, gender-reassignment surgery. This bill narrowly failed this year and is expected to come up again in 2025. 

Brewer: Pass.

Howerton: Yes. Howerton voted for multiple versions of this bill. She didn’t respond to the voter guide, but lawmakers who supported the bill said children may not understand the true consequences of this procedure.

Chiefs and Royals stadium-financing bill

This bill didn’t spend any taxpayer money to attract the teams, but it did set aside future sales tax dollars from future stadium districts to pay off bonds. This law passed by a comfortable margin, and voting yes opens the door to the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas. 

Brewer: Yes. Voting yes on the Chiefs and Royals stadium-financing bill is a strategic move for Kansas. This legislation does not utilize taxpayer money to attract the teams; instead, it allocates future sales tax dollars from designated stadium districts to pay off bonds. By securing the presence of these major sports franchises, the bill is expected to stimulate local economies and attract tourism. The additional revenue generated from increased sales and hospitality taxes will benefit the state’s general funds, supporting essential services and infrastructure. Overall, this bill fosters economic growth while ensuring the future of the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas.

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voting guide, but legislators who supported the law said bringing a professional sports team to Kansas is a major economic development project that would pay for itself.

APEX (Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion)

This bill had billions in tax incentives to bring a Panasonic battery plant to De Soto, Kansas. As it was being passed, lawmakers were not told which company would be coming, but were told the bill is necessary to attract large businesses. Voting yes approved a massive tax incentive plan for companies. 

Brewer: Yes. Voting yes on the bill that provides billions in tax incentives to attract a Panasonic battery plant to De Soto, Kansas, is a decision that could have significant economic benefits for the region. While the lack of transparency regarding the specific company during the legislative process raises concerns, the potential for job creation, investment in the local economy and the advancement of clean energy technology are compelling reasons to support this initiative. Attracting large businesses can lead to increased economic activity, infrastructure development and opportunities for local workers. Ultimately, this bill could position Kansas as a leader in the growing battery manufacturing industry, which is crucial for the future of electric vehicles and renewable energy. 

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voter guide, but legislators who supported the law said it will bring jobs to Kansas and grow the economy. 

Mail ballot grace period

Currently, any mail ballot in Kansas can arrive three days after Election Day and still be counted if it was postmarked on or before Election Day. Voting yes would eliminate that grace period. 

Brewer: No. Currently Kansas allows mail ballots to be counted if they arrive within three days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked on or before Election Day. Voting in favor of eliminating this grace period would undermine access to the electoral process. It is essential to protect democracy and ensure that all citizens can fulfill their basic civic duty to vote. Removing this grace period could disenfranchise voters who may face delays in mail delivery or other unforeseen circumstances. We must prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in our elections to uphold the democratic values we cherish.

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voter guide, but legislators who supported the bill said it will restore faith in elections. Without the grace period, almost all ballots would be counted by election night. 

A bill loosening child care regulations

It would expand allowed child-to-staff ratios and allow teenagers to work at these facilities. Voting yes approves the loosened restrictions. Learn more about this bill here. 

Brewer: No. I strongly oppose this measure. Most children in day care require individualized attention, and many need more support than others. It is crucial to ensure that there are enough qualified teachers in each room to provide proper care and supervision. Additionally, teenagers often lack the emotional and mental maturity necessary to care for young children effectively. Our priority should be the safety and well-being of our children, and this bill undermines that commitment.

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voting guide, but lawmakers who supported the bill said stripping away burdensome regulations will let businesses grow.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights

This bill lets parents pull their kids out of classes if they are being taught objectionable material. Republicans say it is up to parents to determine what their children should be learning. Democrats say this bill addresses a problem that doesn’t exist. 

Brewer: No. 

Howerton: Yes. Howerton didn’t respond to the voter guide, but lawmakers who support the bill said parents should know if a school’s curriculum was inappropriate.