Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson was elected the vice chair of the Kansas Democratic Party over the weekend.
Johnson says he sees his new position as an opportunity to work on strategies for races, build the Democratic Party and raise funds. Although there are Republican strongholds in communities all across Kansas, he says Democrats are gaining ground.
"I think now with more engagement, more conversation and people hearing the ideas of the party, that we can really shift into a purple state, and I think that’s where Kansas should be. It shouldn’t be one way or the other," Johnson says.
"I think Kansas historically has been more moderate. Working together for the good of the state, it may go a little left or a little right but still kind of down that center."
Johnson says one of his goals is to get out and work with county parties and make sure that they have the infrastructure in place to help candidates win elections. Johnson will hold the vice chair position for two years.
Carla Eckels is director of cultural diversity and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.