Meet Lillian Lingenfelter, running for Kansas State Senate, District 17
Lillian decided to run for the Kansas State Senate because of her strong belief in providing an excellent education for every child, a principle that guided her work on the school board and as a teacher. Over time, her passion has expanded to a broader goal of making Kansas the best it can be for the next generation. She emphasizes the importance of economic development and progressive policies to support rural Kansas, where she now lives. Her commitment includes supporting all Kansans and advocating for the Democratic Party’s presence in rural areas.
Another one of Lillian’s passions is helping women grow into future leaders. Outside of her campaign, she volunteers with her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, serving as the alumni board chair and advisor to current members, a role she has held for seven years. She and her husband both have a strong connection to Emporia State University, as this is where they first met! This role is an essential part of Lillian’s identity, allowing her to connect meaningfully with students in her community.
Lillian identifies two significant issues facing her jurisdiction: childcare and Medicaid expansion. There is a significant shortage of childcare spots, with 800 children lacking access in her county alone, impacting families and women’s participation in the workforce. She emphasizes the need for affordable childcare and early childhood education.
Medicaid expansion is another critical issue, with 70% of Kansans supporting it, yet the state legislature has not passed it despite bipartisan support. This affects access to healthcare, especially in rural areas where hospital closures and difficulty attracting medical professionals pose challenges. Additionally, Lillian highlights the importance of public school funding, supporting LGBTQ individuals, common sense gun reform, and gun safety. She plans to complete her current school board term, which ends in January 2026, regardless of the election outcome.
Lillian is deeply proud of her Kansas community for its resilience, strong values, and historical significance. Despite challenges, Kansans exemplify hard work, neighborly support, and a commitment to community. She treasures the state motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” which reflects perseverance through difficulty. Lillian takes pride in Kansas’s proactive stance on reproductive justice, demonstrating a continued commitment to freedom and equality. She sees her community as a beacon of these values, embodying a spirit of unity and progress that she believes can inspire positive change in her district and beyond.
Outside of politics, Lillian is a high school Social Studies teacher. She collects antique maps and globes and is particularly passionate about history! Lillian also enjoys traveling with her husband to explore historical sites in Kansas and across the country. On top of that, Lillian likes to create charcuterie and cheese boards, a hobby she picked up during the pandemic and has since become known for. She is also interested in pairing cheese with wine and dreams of becoming a sommelier, though she admits it’s a challenging goal!
Lillian’s dedication to her community is unwavering. As a high school teacher and school board member, she is committed to improving education, economic development, and healthcare access in her district. Her deep love for Kansas and its people fuels her vision for a brighter future, making her a passionate and community-focused candidate for the Kansas State Senate.
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