The Johnson County Post announced that its upcoming forum for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District will go forward on Oct. 13, even though incumbent Democrat Rep. Sharice Davids has declined to attend. The event, limited to family members and a small staff contingent for each candidate, will be livestreamed on the Post’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Candidates confirmed
Republican challenger Eric Jenkins, a former Shawnee city councilmember, and Libertarian candidate Steve Hohe have both agreed to participate. Their campaigns responded promptly to the Post’s proposed dates and ground‑rules, confirming availability on all five dates offered in September and October.
Davids’ campaign declines
On Sept. 8, a spokesperson for Davids’ campaign thanked the Post for the invitation but said the incumbent would “pass on this opportunity.” When pressed for a reason, the spokesperson added that the campaign had considered the format and, looking ahead to the next couple of months, decided it was “the right call for us.” No further explanation was provided.
Background and context
Davids has previously taken part in televised debates organized by Kansas City PBS and KCUR, facing Republican opponents in 2022 and 2024. Those events were held in a closed studio and later broadcast on TV and radio. The Post’s forum differs in that it is a conversational‑style gathering where all candidates receive the same questions, drawn in part from reader input, and equal speaking time.
Political observers suggest the decision may stem from Davids’ comfortable position in a district that the Cook Political Report rates as “Solid D (Democratic).” Erin Covey of the Cook Political Report noted that incumbents in safe seats often avoid forums that could give opponents additional exposure.
Local impact
Johnson County voters will still have the chance to hear directly from the two challengers. Both Jenkins and Hohe reiterated their commitment to the forum after learning of Davids’ absence, emphasizing the importance of transparency and voter engagement.
“The public deserves to hear from their candidates, especially the incumbent,” Jenkins said. “A lack of participation undermines open discourse at a time when the district faces significant challenges.”
Expert commentary
Bob Beatty, a political scientist at Washburn University, warned that elected officials who refuse to engage in third‑party forums diminish public knowledge and discourse. He stressed that while social‑media town halls are increasingly common, they cannot replace the accountability offered by independent, journalist‑moderated events.
Despite the incumbent’s absence, the Post’s forum remains a valuable opportunity for voters to compare policy positions on issues such as taxes, education, and infrastructure, and to hold candidates accountable before the November election.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
