Barbara Bollier, a former Republican turned Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kansas, secured major endorsements on Thursday from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) and Emily’s List. These endorsements signal significant backing in the form of funding, advertising, and grassroots mobilization, bolstering her campaign for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Senator Pat Roberts.
A retired anesthesiologist and state senator, Bollier made headlines last year when she left the Republican Party, citing dissatisfaction with its policies on LGBTQ+ rights and President Trump’s leadership. Now, she stands as the Democratic frontrunner in a race where Republicans face a crowded primary field. Among the contenders is Rep. Roger Marshall, though the possibility of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo entering the race looms large.
Unified Support Among Democrats
Democrats in Kansas have swiftly rallied behind Bollier. Shortly after announcing her candidacy, former U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom exited the Democratic primary and endorsed her. Other prominent supporters include former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who also served as President Obama’s Health and Human Services Secretary, and current Governor Laura Kelly.
This unified support reflects the party’s hopes of flipping a Senate seat in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the chamber since 1932. The DSCC’s early endorsement signals that Democrats view Kansas as a potential battleground, adding it to a map of competitive races that already includes Arizona, Colorado, and Maine.
DSCC Chair Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto praised Bollier’s commitment to public service, stating, “Barbara Bollier has spent her life helping others, and she’ll bring that same dedication to the U.S. Senate for all Kansans.”
Emily’s List, a national organization dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women, also voiced strong support. Its president, Stephanie Schriock, highlighted Bollier’s record on healthcare and her opposition to former Republican Governor Sam Brownback’s controversial tax policies.
A Moderate Candidate with a Strong Record
Bollier’s moderate platform and suburban Kansas City roots appeal to centrist and independent voters. However, her positions, including support for abortion rights, have made her a polarizing figure in a deeply conservative state. Republicans removed her from committee assignments in 2018 after she endorsed Democrat Laura Kelly over Republican Kris Kobach in the governor’s race.
Her candidacy comes at a time of resurgence for Kansas Democrats, driven largely by women leaders. Governor Laura Kelly reclaimed the governorship in 2018, and Rep. Sharice Davids, the first openly gay Native American woman in Congress, flipped a suburban district the same year. Former Governor Sebelius is expected to campaign for Bollier in 2020, reinforcing this wave of Democratic momentum.
Republican Response
National Republicans have expressed concern about Bollier’s viability, but Kansas GOP leaders remain confident in their ability to retain the seat. Eric Pahls, campaign manager for Rep. Roger Marshall, argued that Bollier’s moderate appeal will ultimately alienate conservative Kansas voters.
“The qualities that make her an attractive candidate for Democrats will cause Kansans to reject her,” Pahls said.
A High-Stakes Race in 2020
The Kansas Senate race is shaping up to be a key battleground as Democrats seek to regain control of the Senate. To achieve a majority, Democrats must flip three seats if they win the presidency or four if President Trump is re-elected.
With Bollier’s growing list of endorsements and the Republican field still unsettled, the race is becoming increasingly competitive. Whether her moderate message resonates with Kansas voters remains to be seen, but her campaign has undoubtedly drawn national attention to a traditionally Republican stronghold.
