Kansas House of Representatives District 20 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kansas, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kansas House of Representatives District 20 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kansas House of Representatives District 20

Incumbent Mari-Lynn Poskin defeated Carrie Rahfaldt in the general election for Kansas House of Representatives District 20 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mari-Lynn Poskin (D)	55.7	7,048
		Carrie Rahfaldt (R)	44.3	5,606

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,654
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Carrie Rahfaldt (R)

We must focus on academics the mental well-being, and the success of our students and staffs to make up for the unprecedented learning loss and upheaval they've experienced the past two years. Our legislature can support our schools by ensuring they have a stable funding formula which allows for long-term planning and better results.

We must address the cost of living in Kansas. We have to ensure home ownership remains affordable by ending stealth property tax increases that penalize us for maintaining and staying in our homes. The Biden years have brought us unsustainable increases in gas, grocery, and utility prices, not to mention plummeting retirement accounts. Lowering our costs of living is job one.

We must support small businesses and job creation. Businesses are still hurting after the pandemic and our economy is slowly working to rebuild. We need to implement smart policies so business owners can get back on their feet and our economy can fully rebuild.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Carrie Rahfaldt (R)

I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate for our children and our schools. Throughout the pandemic we saw bureaucratic leaders enact policy while bypassing the legislature and the people in the name of safety. That was unacceptable and the consequences were severe. Children, being our most vulnerable, took the brunt of those policies and many special education students fell even further behind. Schools and businesses are still recovering. Risks and benefits must be weighed when policies are implemented and I will always be a brave voice willing to stand up for kids who may not fit the norm and can easily fall between the cracks.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Carrie Rahfaldt (R)

I look up to my Dad and would love to follow in his footsteps as a strong and fair leader. Growing up, my Dad led boards in our small town and within the forestry industry within our state. He is always who I turn to first for advice when managing and leading. He's always been able to lead with decisiveness and positivity while at the same time listening to everyone and making sure they feel heard. His often direct but common sense and kind approach that is usually mixed with just a bit of humor is a rare combination that has earned him the respect of many over the years. He takes all sides into account and comes to fair decisions that while all might not agree, they almost always respect. His positive impact on our community is admirable and one that I strive to emulate.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Carrie Rahfaldt (R)

My first job was working retail in a women's boutique in the small town in which I grew up. I worked all through high school on afternoons and on weekends to help pay for my vehicle, gas, and other expenses. I learned the value of a dollar and a great work ethic as well!

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Carrie Rahfaldt (R)

Not necessarily! I believe that having less politicians and more moms, business owners, teachers and other community leaders in the legislature can help to make policies that function more efficiently in our everyday lives.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2022

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