The 2026 election cycle is already underway, and LeadingAge Kansas is committed to ensuring the voices of aging services providers are heard throughout the campaign season and beyond. With a gubernatorial election, statewide races, and legislative contests taking shape across Kansas, this is an important opportunity for members to build relationships with candidates, educate policymakers about the challenges facing aging services, and elevate the needs of older adults and the workforce that serves them.
Throughout the coming months, LeadingAge Kansas will host a series of advocacy events designed to connect members directly with candidates and elected officials. Whether you are a seasoned advocate or new to the process, these events provide valuable opportunities to share your organization’s story and help shape the future of aging services policy in Kansas.
Candidate Meet & Greets
Join us, and other healthcare professionals from various associations, for regional candidate meet-and-greet events where members can engage directly with candidates running for state office and discuss the issues impacting aging services providers. Registration for each event will go to ldean@kha-net.org.
Kansas City Area Candidate Meet & Greet
- Monday, July 13
- 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- Lakeview Village, Lenexa
Salina Area Candidate Meet & Greet
- Tuesday, July 28
- 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- The Cedars, McPherson
Wichita Area Candidate Meet & Greet
Date, time, and location to be announced
Statewide Candidate Forum
As part of the 2026 LeadingAge Kansas Fall Conference, we will host a candidate forum featuring candidates for Governor and other statewide offices alongside the Alzheimer’s Association and Kansas Home Care and Hospice Association. This event will provide members with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their priorities and discuss issues affecting older Kansans and the providers who serve them.
Thursday, September 24
Hilton Garden Inn – Salina
Regional Legislative Lunches
Following the primary election season, LeadingAge Kansas will host a series of regional legislative lunches to connect members with legislators and candidates from their local communities.
Dodge City Area
- Monday, October 19
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Hays Area
- Tuesday, October 20
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
McPherson Area
- Wednesday, October 21
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Topeka Area
- Thursday, October 22
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
(Location details for each event will be announced soon.)
Why Your Participation Matters
Legislators and candidates consistently tell us that hearing directly from providers in their communities is one of the most valuable ways they learn about aging services. Discussions around workforce shortages, Medicaid funding, dementia care, HCBS services, housing, and long-term care regulation will continue to shape the policy landscape in 2027 and beyond.
Your participation helps ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions on providers, staff, residents, and families across Kansas.
Mark your calendars now and watch for registration information in upcoming editions of the LeadingAge Kansas Aging Update newsletter.
Questions about advocacy events? Contact Kylee Childs at kylee@leadingagekansas.org.
