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Henry McClure  
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His website is philipsarnecki.org

 Philip Sarnecki (full name R. Philip Sarnecki) is a 2026 Republican candidate for Governor of Kansas, running in the primary on August 4, 2026. He is a self-described political outsider, businessman, and family man emphasizing conservative values, economic growth, and a results-oriented approach to government.

Early Life and Background

Sarnecki was born in Illinois and grew up in a blue-collar household as the son of a janitor (Robert "Bob" Sarnecki) and a secretary. His family emphasized faith, hard work, and perseverance despite limited financial means—his parents were married for 56 years. He has siblings Todd and Katie.

He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and finance. He has remained connected to his alma mater, including a notable $350,000 family gift (with wife Heidi) toward the Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center.

Career and Business Achievements

Sarnecki built a successful career in financial services and other industries:

• Founded RPS Financial Group, Inc. (around 2008) and grew it into one of the nation’s largest financial services firms. It expanded to 18 offices (12 in Kansas), served clients in all 50 states, built trust with ~100,000 Kansans, and managed over $10 billion in Kansas assets. In its final year under his ownership, it paid out more than $135 million in dividends to Kansas families and businesses. He later sold the company and retired as managing partner of the related RPS Benefits by Design/Northwestern Mutual operations earlier in the 2020s.
• Other businesses: Largest franchise owner of Strickland Brothers quick lubes (locations in Andover, El Dorado, Derby, Pittsburg, Fort Scott, Independence, etc.). Also involved in automotive, leadership, employee benefits, and real estate.
• Film production: Part-owner of 513 Films, involved in projects featuring actors like Mel Gibson, Kevin Sorbo, Kevin James, and others, often with faith-based or family-oriented themes. Recent credit includes executive producer for the 2024 adventure horror film Monster Summer.

His companies collectively employ approximately 1,000 people across multiple industries. He has served on boards including as former chairman of Athletes in Action and past roles with Finseca and the Northwestern Mutual Managing Partners Association. He coached youth and high school baseball for nearly a decade.

Personal Life

Sarnecki lives in Bucyrus, Kansas (Johnson County area), with his wife Heidi and their three children (Ava, Emily, and Blake). They also enjoy time on their Franklin County farm. He is guided by his Christian faith and describes himself as a "Kansas Dad • Husband • Businessman."

Political Positions and Platform

Sarnecki positions himself as a Trump-aligned conservative outsider tired of Republican losses in Kansas (e.g., to Democrat Laura Kelly). He criticizes "career politicians," high taxes, red tape, "woke" policies, and government incompetence, advocating a business-minded approach.

Key priorities from his campaign site and announcements:

• Economy/Taxes: Lower income and property taxes, provide relief for families and seniors, shred government red tape to help small businesses grow, create good-paying jobs, address high costs making housing unaffordable for young Kansans, and improve economic rankings (Kansas has lagged in some metrics).
• Education: Restore parental rights, oppose certain "woke" influences, focus on opportunities for kids to stay and build futures in Kansas.
• Other: Stand with President Trump, end "woke" policies in favor of merit and fairness, bring business-style accountability to government (e.g., auditing budgets for waste), support agriculture and pro-business policies.
• Social issues: Strongly pro-life, rooted in Christian faith ("every baby is a blessing"). Opposes radical DEI policies and emphasizes traditional values.

He has pushed for action on property taxes (even suggesting a special legislative session) and criticized GOP inaction on issues like congressional redistricting.

Good Reasons to Vote for Him (Per His Campaign and Supporters)

• Proven job creator and outsider: Extensive private-sector success demonstrates he can grow businesses and create employment—contrasted with career politicians. He self-funds significantly (e.g., $2M personal loan to his campaign) and claims strong fundraising.
• Rooted in Kansas values: Humble beginnings, family focus, Christian faith, farm life, and community involvement (coaching, boards) appeal to conservative, working-class, and rural voters.
• Focus on winning and results: Emphasizes turning around Republican electoral fortunes in Kansas by prioritizing affordability, taxes, jobs, and parental rights. Aligns with Trump-style populism and business pragmatism.
• Diverse experience: Finance, franchising, film production, and mentoring bring a broad perspective.
• Endorsements: Support from groups like Kansans for Health Freedom and figures like actor Kevin Sorbo, highlighting health freedom, religious liberty, and conservative credentials.

Campaign Context and Notes

Sarnecki entered the race in September 2025 as one of several Republicans in a crowded primary field. He has faced typical primary dynamics, including attacks from rivals (e.g., a mysterious email questioning his business practices on certain health issues, which he pushed back against).

This profile draws primarily from his official campaign materials, news coverage (e.g., Kansas Reflector, Topeka Capital-Journal, Ballotpedia), and public records. As with any candidate, voters should review his full platform, debates, and record directly, cross-reference multiple sources, and consider the broader Kansas political context for the 2026 election.

This is all drawn from reputable local outlets like the Topeka Capital-Journal, Kansas Reflector, KSNT, and WIBW, based on public records and official statements.

Yes, here's what is publicly known based on news reports and open records from 2023.

The City of Topeka officially stated that Stephen (Steve) Wade was terminated "for cause" due to an "inappropriate relationship with a subordinate" that violated city personnel policy and his employment contract.

Hannah Uhlrig Connection

Public reporting strongly links this to Hannah Uhlrig (sometimes spelled Uhlrig; the user’s "Ulrig" appears to be a close variant). She was previously the deputy public works director and was promoted by Wade in late 2022/early 2023 to director of special projects and innovation, a new role with a $125,000 salary.

• Open records details: Teams messages, calendars, and other communications obtained via Kansas open records requests (KORA) showed Wade frequently turning to Uhlrig for personal/emotional support during his stressful final weeks. They included meetings for meals and drinks, late-night chats, and mutual encouragement. He thanked her for her company.
• A city employee reportedly filed a complaint alleging an inappropriate relationship with Uhlrig, noting she was receiving special treatment.
• Uhlrig left her city position shortly after Wade’s termination in July 2023.

The full investigative report (by an outside law firm) into employee complaints was not released publicly, as it involved personnel matters. No detailed public discovery documents (e.g., from a full lawsuit) exist in readily available records, as this primarily stayed at the notice-of-claim stage.

Limits on Public Details

• No public evidence or reports describe explicit sexual acts or graphic details — coverage sticks to the city’s characterization of it as an "inappropriate relationship" (a common term for romantic/sexual involvement between a supervisor and subordinate, which often violates HR policies regardless of consent).
• Wade’s side (via his $100M claim) framed his firing as disability discrimination related to mental health, not addressing the relationship allegations directly in public statements.

This is all drawn from reputable local outlets like the Topeka Capital-Journal, Kansas Reflector, KSNT, and WIBW, based on public records and official statements. No sealed or internal non-public files were accessed. If more court filings have emerged since 2024–2025, they might add detail, but nothing prominent shows up in current searches. Let me know if you want links to specific articles or further angles.

 

Stalling

Topeka Hotel Project Sees Delay in Final Transfer

Local development news in Topeka took a slight turn this week as officials approved an extension for the sale of the historic Hotel Topeka.

The Topeka Development Corporation board voted on May 19 to push back both the inspection and closing periods by 30 days. This means the final handover to Endeavor Real Estate Group is now scheduled for mid-July instead of June. City leaders say Endeavor remains fully committed to the purchase and renovation plans for the property.

The extension gives both sides additional time to complete due diligence on the long-vacant downtown landmark. Many in the community are watching closely, hoping this project will bring new life, jobs, and vibrancy to the heart of Topeka.

This kind of measured progress on big redevelopment efforts is important for our capital city. It shows commitment to getting things right rather than rushing forward.

Our downtown has so much potential — fingers crossed this move keeps the momentum going strong.

— Henry McClure, Topeka, KS

This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can exist with dogs, even in residential settings. Our thoughts go out to Froelich's family and friends during this difficult time.

 

Topeka Dog Attack Claims Life of Local Man

A tragic incident in east Topeka has left a 38-year-old man dead after a severe dog attack at a residence.

Kevin L. Froelich of Topeka succumbed to his injuries following the attack that occurred in the 2800 block of SE Wear Circle. According to police reports, officers responded to a vicious animal call around 12:41 a.m. on April 30. Upon arrival, they found that Froelich and the male homeowner had both been bitten by multiple dogs at the property.

Froelich suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away from complications related to the bites. The homeowner sustained only minor injuries in the same incident.

Authorities removed three dogs from the home as part of their response. Details about the specific breeds or what led to the attack have not been publicly released at this time.

This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can exist with dogs, even in residential settings. Our thoughts go out to Froelich's family and friends during this difficult time.

— Henry McClure, Topeka, KS