MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County voters selected candidates for several key local and state races during Tuesday's primary election, while Haven residents approved a new city sales tax to fund infrastructure improvements.
Countywide voter turnout reached 31.8%, with 13,274 of 41,689 registered voters casting ballots.
In Haven, voters approved a 1% city sales tax by a 159-102 margin. The new tax will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, increasing the city's overall sales tax rate to 2% on qualified food items and 8.5% on other purchases. City officials say the additional revenue will be used to help fund street improvements and utility infrastructure projects.
Reno County Commission
In the Republican primary for Reno County Commission District 1, Mike Sullivan defeated Dawn Varney 1,478 to 625. The race was open after Republican incumbent Randy Parks withdrew to seek election to the Kansas House of Representatives.
Sullivan will face Democrat Carol Moore in the November general election.
Incumbent commissioners Richard Winger in District 4 and Don Bogner in District 5 were both unopposed in their Republican primaries, receiving 782 and 1,123 votes, respectively.
District Court Judge
Attorney Thomas A. "Tad" Dower won the Republican primary for Division I judge of the 27th Judicial District, defeating Shawnah K. Bennett 5,945 to 1,827.
Dower, who currently serves on the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education, is seeking to succeed retiring Judge Trish Rose. There was no Democratic candidate filed for the position.
Kansas House Races
In the Republican primary for Kansas House District 102, incumbent Rep. Kyler Sweely defeated Tyson Thrall 961 to 698 in a rematch of their 2024 primary contest.
Sweely advances to the November election, where he will face Democrat and former state representative Jason Probst.
In District 101, Kevin D. O'Brien held the lead over Casey Slaughter in the Republican primary as of publication. The seat is open after Rep. Joe Seiwert opted not to seek reelection. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Mary Ann Harmon in November.
In District 104, Republican Randy Parks and Democrat Lynnette Krieger-Zook were both unopposed and will meet in the general election. The seat is open following Rep. Paul Waggoner's decision not to seek a fifth term.
In District 114, Republican incumbent Rep. Kevin D. Schwertfeger and Democratic challenger Alan Albers also advanced unopposed to the November ballot.
With the primary election complete, Reno County voters will decide these races during the Nov. 3 general election.