Start Today — For a Better Topeka Tomorrow

 Why the Next Mayor of Topeka Must Start Campaigning Today

By Henry McClure Posted: June 2026

Topeka’s challenges aren’t going away on their own. Our city faces crumbling infrastructure, economic pressures, population concerns, and the need for accountable, pro-growth leadership that puts Shawnee County families first. Yet in the 2025 mayoral election, voters handed a decisive victory to Spencer Duncan — a career insider with deep ties to lobbying and establishment networks — without demanding a strong record of results or meaningful differentiation.

If we want real change in 2029 (or sooner), the next serious candidate for mayor must start building their campaign today. Waiting until the next cycle hands the advantage to those who thrive on continuity rather than results.

Voters Often Overlook Track Records — Differentiation Is Essential

Topeka voters have shown a tendency to prioritize familiarity and institutional support over a deep examination of an incumbent’s or candidate’s full track record. In the November 2025 general election, Duncan won with 12,723 votes (75.1%) to my 4,111 votes (24.3%) in a low-turnout race.

This outcome highlights a key reality: without early, sustained visibility and clear contrasts, voters default to the known quantity. The next challenger cannot afford to blend into the background. They must make themselves unmistakably different from Spencer Duncan’s approach — starting now.

Duncan’s professional background centers on government affairs and lobbying. He serves as Government Affairs Director for the League of Kansas Municipalities, where he represents cities before the state legislature. Previously, he owned Capitol Connection, an association management, lobbying, and investigation firm. His career path reflects a lifelong trajectory in politics and government relations rather than hands-on private sector development or broad business creation.

Placing a seasoned lobbyist in the mayor’s office risks prioritizing insider networks over the bold, practical reforms Topeka needs. Voters who supported this choice may come to see it as a wasted opportunity for fresh, independent leadership focused on tangible results for working families.

What True Differentiation Looks Like

The next candidate should stand out by championing:

• Pay-as-you-go TIF and CID tools done right — empowering developers to invest their own capital to drive growth in a city that desperately needs revitalization, without turning general sales tax revenue into a slush fund benefiting connected interests like the Chamber of Commerce.
• Transparency and uniform treatment in economic development — ending opaque processes, ensuring shovel-ready infrastructure, and holding all parties accountable so incentives actually deliver jobs and opportunities.
• Protecting the professional city manager role — keeping administration focused on efficient governance rather than political controversy tied to entities like Go Topeka.
• Putting Shawnee County families first — creating conditions where the next generation, including my daughter Bianca and others, wants to live, work, invest, and raise children here.

This requires year-round engagement: attending meetings, documenting issues, building a broad base of small-dollar donors, and communicating directly with residents through blogs, videos, social media, and neighborhood events.

The Cost of Career Politicians and the Need for Grassroots Energy

Spencer Duncan’s path — from City Council to Deputy Mayor to Mayor, while maintaining a prominent role in municipal lobbying — signals a commitment to lifelong political involvement. Topeka deserves leaders who bring fresh perspectives from real-world experience in business, development, and community problem-solving, not perpetual insiders.

Grassroots reformers face an uphill battle against incumbency advantages, funding disparities, and organized networks. But persistent advocacy works. My 2025 campaign proved that thousands of Topekans support practical, pro-growth reforms. The next effort must build on that foundation immediately.

Start Today — For a Better Topeka Tomorrow

Don’t wait for the next election cycle to heat up. If you believe in accountable leadership, smart development incentives, transparency, and putting families first, begin today.

• Research the issues and track records.
• Build name recognition through consistent public service and communication.
• Cultivate independent support networks.
• Prepare to clearly differentiate yourself from the status quo.

Topeka has enormous potential. With the right leadership — focused on results over relationships — we can address our crumbling infrastructure, attract investment, and create a thriving community. The time to lay the groundwork is now.

Call to Action: If you’re considering a run for mayor or want to support reform-minded candidates, reach out. Attend public meetings, share your concerns, and get involved. Together, we can ensure the next mayor truly represents the change Topeka needs.

This post reflects my personal perspective based on public records, election results, and direct experience. Full campaign finance and background details are available through the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission, Shawnee County, and official sources.