Kansas House District 5, which includes parts of Edgerton, Gardner, Olathe and Spring Hill in the southwestern corner of Johnson County, will hold a competitive race for its State Representative seat. Republican incumbent Courtney Sappington, appointed to the seat in October 2025 after Rep. Carrie Barth’s resignation, is running for her first full term against Democrat Henry Johns.
Candidate backgrounds
Courtney Sappington is a Baldwin City mother of three who worked in logistics and supply‑chain operations before becoming a stay‑at‑home parent. She has served on the Baldwin Recreation Commission board, giving her experience in local community service. Sappington won a three‑way GOP primary in August and was officially appointed to the District 5 seat in October 2025.
Henry Johns is an Army veteran who spent more than 48 years as a licensed respiratory therapist, including time in management, and has served six years as a substitute teacher. He has been a Democratic precinct committeeman for over two decades and previously ran for the District 5 seat in 2024, losing to then‑Rep. Carrie Barth.
Key issues and priorities
Both candidates list property‑tax relief as a top priority for Kansas families. Sappington emphasizes deregulation to help businesses and workers, a simpler school‑finance formula with greater spending transparency, and increased investment in career and technical education. She argues that reducing regulatory burdens will spur job growth and give families more disposable income.
Johns focuses on fully funding public schools, including special education, and expanding Medicaid to assist Kansans who cannot afford insurance but do not qualify for traditional coverage. He also advocates for cutting property taxes, arguing that lower taxes will keep families in their homes and support local economies.
Local impact
The race matters directly to residents of Edgerton, Gardner, Olathe and Spring Hill, where school funding formulas and property‑tax rates are ongoing community concerns. Sappington’s push for career‑technical education aligns with local business leaders seeking a skilled workforce, while Johns’ emphasis on Medicaid expansion addresses health‑care gaps for low‑income families in the district.
Voters will also consider each candidate’s experience. Sappington brings recent legislative experience from her appointment and a background in community recreation, whereas Johns offers a long record of public service through his military, health‑care, and educational work.
Election timeline
The District 5 race is part of the broader Kansas state legislative elections slated for November 2026. Voters in the district will receive a ballot listing both candidates, along with any local measures that may appear.
Both campaigns have begun outreach efforts, holding town‑hall meetings and visiting local schools and churches to discuss their platforms. Residents are encouraged to attend these events, review the candidates’ positions, and cast an informed vote on Election Day.
How to learn more
For additional details on the candidates, including contact information and upcoming events, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s candidate portal or the official campaign websites of Courtney Sappington and Henry Johns.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
