Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON — A southwest Kansas woman who announced earlier this month that she will seek the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat in Kansas talked with HutchPost.com about her campaign. Kali Barnett is a political newcomer and is running for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall.

What made her decide to run? “I found myself saying we need more teachers at the federal level who know how hard it is for our teachers and build in support and incentives for them to continue their careers in that field,” Barnett said. “I also know, growing up as a third generation farmer’s daughter, there are real world problems that are happening to our farmers across the country with the tariffs and we have current electives who I feel are not voting for Kansas farmers.” Barnett says she wants to advocate for them and other Kansans.

She talked about her decision to run as a Democrat in a pretty conservative state. Barnett thinks of herself as someone outside the box and doesn’t want to be cast in any particular category.

“I know I can still be conservative with my values. I know I can be progressive if that’s what you want to call it,” Barnett said. “If we’re talking about getting green renewable energy to take care of our planet, if that means I’m progressive in that sense of the word, then absolutely you can put me there, but I don’t feel I fit into most of those categories.”

Barnett says she’s seen firsthand the struggles and heartbreak of trying to keep a farm afloat in southwest Kansas. She also noted that, in America, it shouldn’t be so hard to make an honest living, care for a family and get healthcare when you need it.

She will face Dr. Marshall in the election unless he decides to run for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Pat Roberts, who announced he will retire at the end of his term.

For more information, visit Barnett’s website at www.kaliforkansas.com. She is also on social media.