Brandon Woodard, 29
At 27, Brandon Woodard became the first openly LGBTQ man elected to a Kansas state office. Two years later, he shares his experiences as a young elected and his perspectives going into his re-election campaign.
What was the best piece of advice you received before running for office?
Be authentic, listen to the stories of the people you’re working to represent, and have fun every day of the campaign. These pieces of advice motivated me to appreciate each opportunity during our efforts, stay humble, and find enjoyment on even the toughest days on the campaign trail.
You were the first openly LGBTQ man elected to a Kansas state office and you’ve used your platform to advocate for inclusive legislation and combat discriminatory bills. What impact do you think your election had on LGBTQ acceptance in the state?
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Be authentic, listen to the stories of the people you’re working to represent, and have fun every day of the campaign.”
Alongside Rep. Susan Ruiz, we became the first two openly-LGBTQ members elected to the Kansas Legislature in 2018. In addition to working to expand Medicaid, lower the sales tax on groceries, and fully fund our public education system in Kansas, I’ve passionately advocated to make all mean all in Kansas. Among other legislation, Susan and I, along with 56 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and Senate, introduced a statewide non-discrimination bill that would enhance the Kansas Act Against Discrimination to include LGBTQ Kansans.
I believe our representation matters. Once our colleagues in the House and Senate get to know us, it makes it harder to oppose equality for all Kansans, because members of the legislature are now making decisions that not only impact the people of their district, but also two of their co-workers. It is that very representation and relationship-building that allowed us to prevent extreme, anti-LGBTQ legislation from ever making it out of committee during our term. Additionally, it’s empowering to hear from young LGBTQ Kansans, who share their stories or their ideas for making Kansas a better place for all. I know that beyond representing the 23,000 folks in my district, I also have a responsibility to be a voice for the LGBTQ community.
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I believe our representation matters.”
What advantages and disadvantages do you face as a younger candidate?
My district is, on average, one of the youngest in the state. As of the 2010 census, 88% of the people in my district are under age 65. That being said, young candidates frequently face age discrimination. I believe my experience in higher education advocacy, my experience as a public school graduate, and my willingness to listen to all voices were my biggest advantages in 2018.
Currently, Republicans have a supermajority in the Kansas House. How do you build power and affect change as a Democrat in a Republican controlled legislature?
“Running for office is one of the most challenging, exhausting, and rewarding journeys you’ll ever be involved in.”
Much of our work as representatives involves math. As a Democrat, I’m a member of a 41 person caucus, but a bill requires 63 votes to pass. That means that I have to work on issues that bring all of my caucus on board, but also at least 22 Republicans. Fortunately in Kansas, we’re able to build coalitions, depending on the issue, that bring fellow members from across the aisle on board. Working to build relationships, not make assumptions, and efforts to understand why a colleague has the position on an issue that they do goes a long way in building those coalitions to get to 63 votes to pass a bill or an amendment.
What does campaigning look like during the COVID-19 crisis? How have you had to adapt your strategy and what have you seen work?
In 2018, our campaign attempted 23,000 door knocks in the district, and I knocked at least 10,000 of those attempts. COVID-19 has thrown the rule book for traditional campaigning out the window. In the meantime, Team Woodard volunteers and I are working to coordinate virtual listening sessions, phone banks, text message updates, and digital advertising to get our message directly to the people of District 30. In order to keep our team safe, we’re finding creative and engaging ways to connect with constituents. So far, we’ve had fantastic contact rates while people are looking for human interaction while being cooped up at home, which is essential to combating the spread of this virus.
What advice would you give to another young Democrat considering a run for office?
Running for office is one of the most challenging, exhausting, and rewarding journeys you’ll ever be involved in. If you have a passion for listening to your neighbors, working to make decisions that make a positive impact in your community, and a willingness to learn and read (like, a lot of reading), then grab a clipboard, print off some information about yourself, and get ready to RUN.
The views expressed in this interview are those of the candidate, and do not reflect the beliefs and views of Ballot Breakers or its staff.