District 71 Race Adds Republican Challenger to Howe’s Seat

The 2026 race for Kansas House District 71 now shows three candidates listed in publicly available Saline County filing records.

According to the latest Saline County candidate filing list, Republican incumbent Steven K. Howe, Republican Jay Vanier, and Democrat Jerry Lonergan are listed for the Kansas House District 71 race. The county filing list is marked unofficial and was updated May 29.

Howe currently represents Kansas House District 71 in the Kansas Legislature. His official legislative profile lists him as a Republican representing Saline County, with service in the Kansas House from 2021 to present.

Because both Howe and Vanier are listed as Republicans, the current filing list indicates a Republican primary contest for the District 71 seat. Lonergan is listed as a Democrat.

If the filing list remains unchanged, the winner of the Republican primary would advance to the general election against Lonergan. Candidate filings may still change before the official deadline.

The Kansas Secretary of State’s Office says candidates for state legislative office must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State. The filing deadline for the 2026 election cycle is noon Monday, June 1.

Kansas House District 71 includes part of Salina, part of Kipp, New Cambria, part of Solomon, and several Saline County townships, according to the official district map.

The 2026 Kansas primary election is scheduled for August 4. The general election is scheduled for November 3.