Locally, the 2024 general election saw some familiar names continue representing their constituents — as well as some new people stepping up as prior leaders retired.
Republican Mike Argabright won the Kansas Senate 17th District race over Democrat Lillian Lingenfelter in a race involving two educators. Argabright was encouraged to run by departing Senator Jeff Longbine, and he says that support was a good first step in his campaign.
In the Kansas House 60th District race, Republican incumbent Mark Schreiber defeated Democrat challenger Mic McGuire for the second straight election cycle. Schreiber won by over 1,300 votes out of over 8,200 votes cast, a slightly wider margin than his win in 2022. He says the 2024 campaign wound up similar to the one two years ago.
McGuire commended Schreiber on a well-run race and says this will be his final go-round in the political realm as a candidate but noted he would like to be involved in other ways.
Also, Republican incumbent Duane Droge defeated Democrat Edgar Chrisman for the Kansas House 13h District, while Democrat Beryl Ann New lost to Bruce Schulz for the State Board of Education District 6 position in Lyon County but won overall.
At the county level, Republican incumbent Doug Peck won re-election by defeating Democrat Ron McCoy for County Commission District 2. Peck issued a short prepared statement.
For County Commission District 3, Republican Chris Bartel is following fellow Republican Rollie Martin after defeating Democrat Bill Nienstedt. Bartel says he plans to spend the next two months making preperations to step into his new role.
Nienstedt congratulated Bartel on his victory, stated he was proud of his own campaign effort but also noted that he believes the divisive nature of party loyalty played a major role in the outcome.
Lyon County’s department heads — Amy Aranda for County Attorney, Amie Jackson for County Clerk, Wendy Weiss for Register of Deeds, Jeff Cope for Sheriff and Sharon Gaede for Treasurer — all ran unopposed.
Current County Election Officer Tammy Vopat oversaw her final election before she retires. She says things went extremely well behind the scenes.
Turnout was 62 percent in Lyon County, slightly below Vopat’s Election Day projection of 70 percent and also below other neighboring counties. Coffey County got to 70 percent, while Chase County went over 77 percent. Morris County turnout was 69 percent. Wabaunsee County turnout was 71 percent.
