The Insider Machine: How Self-Funding, Chamber Backing, and Establishment Networks Secured Spencer Duncan’s 2025 Topeka Mayoral Victory

By Henry McClure

Posted: June 2026

In the November 4, 2025, Topeka mayoral general election, longtime City Councilman Spencer Duncan defeated independent candidate and longtime real estate advocate Henry McClure with 12,723 votes (75.1%) to 4,111 votes (24.3%). On the surface, it looked like a decisive win for the incumbent-aligned candidate. In truth, it revealed a structural imbalance in local politics: the power of personal wealth, institutional donors like the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, and established networks versus a grassroots reformer focused on practical solutions for a city that is still struggling.

The Funding Gap: Self-Loans and Chamber Support Tilted the Scales

Public campaign finance reports, as covered by the Topeka Capital-Journal and available through official filings, show a clear resource advantage for Duncan:

• Pre-primary period (through late July 2025): Duncan reported approximately $42,211 in total resources, including a significant $20,000 self-loan from his own funds. He received 66 individual contributions ranging from $25 to $2,000, along with $1,000 from the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce PAC.
• Pre-general period (July 25–Oct. 23, 2025): Duncan added $35,741 in contributions, highlighted by $2,000 each from the Greater Topeka Chamber PAC and Kathleen Duncan (family), plus another $12,800 in personal self-funding. A major expense was $17,799 paid to Compass Marketing for advertising.

By comparison, my campaign raised just $4,400 in contributions — notably from individuals like Terry Iles and Mark Klein ($1,000 each) — and focused on modest, practical spending such as printing and direct voter outreach.

Rough cost-per-vote analysis (based on reported figures):

• Duncan: Approximately $2.75–$3.80+ per vote when including contributions, PAC support, and self-loans.
• McClure: Approximately $1.07 per vote.

This disparity wasn’t just about ideas competing in the marketplace — it was about who could afford the megaphone. Self-funding allowed Duncan to front-load visibility, while Chamber PAC support and insider endorsements (including from unions and business groups) amplified established networks in a low-turnout municipal race.

Smart Development Tools vs. Sales Tax Slush Funds

I have consistently supported proven economic development mechanisms like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Community Improvement Districts (CID) — when implemented correctly as true pay-as-you-go tools. These allow developers to invest their own resources upfront and recoup costs through new growth, creating strong incentives to build in a city that desperately needs revitalization. Topeka is crumbling in too many areas; responsible, transparent incentives can help attract jobs, housing, and private investment without unfairly burdening existing taxpayers.

The real issue is not TIF or CID themselves. It is the wasteful use of general sales tax revenue funneled into economic development initiatives that have too often operated like a slush fund benefiting the Chamber of Commerce and connected insiders. Go Topeka’s close ties have pulled the professional city manager role — in our mayor-city manager form of government — into repeated political controversy and public frustration. The city manager should focus on efficient administration, not become a focal point for criticism over perceived favoritism in how taxpayer dollars are allocated.

Duncan’s alignment with these establishment networks helped sustain the status quo. My campaign emphasized uniform treatment for all developers, shovel-ready infrastructure, full transparency in incentives, and accountability so that economic development actually delivers for working families and neighborhoods across Shawnee County.

Why Grassroots Reformers Face an Uphill Battle

I entered the race with 45+ years of hands-on real estate experience — from national mall redevelopment with Macerich to local projects involving mixed-use development, sale-leasebacks, zoning, drainage, and deal structuring. My platform focused on practical, pro-growth policies: better infrastructure readiness, consistent processes, and putting Shawnee County families first so the next generation wants to stay, invest, and raise children here.

Yet grassroots campaigns in places like Topeka face systemic headwinds:

• Incumbency advantage and built-in name recognition.
• Donor networks that favor connected, status-quo candidates.
• Spending power for advertising that often overshadows detailed policy discussion.
• Low voter turnout that rewards organized institutional get-out-the-vote efforts.

My campaign advanced from a crowded primary and earned solid support from thousands of Topekans who want real change. But overcoming the funding and organizational gap proved difficult.

The Path Forward: Serious Challengers Should Start Today

Topeka faces real challenges — aging infrastructure, economic pressures, and the need for genuine, accountable growth. Duncan’s victory, supported by self-funding and Chamber-aligned resources, locks in the current approach for another four years.

If we want different results, the next credible challenger for mayor must begin building now. Start early to increase visibility. Cultivate a broad base of small-dollar donors independent of PAC influence. Document every incentive, every sales tax allocation, and every inconsistency in city processes. Engage directly with neighborhoods and residents year-round. Prepare for the realities of grassroots campaigning: it requires more effort and persistence, but it is the best path to authentic representation and better outcomes for our community.

My run demonstrated that persistent, principle-driven advocacy for pay-as-you-go development tools — paired with sharp criticism of wasteful spending and lack of transparency — resonates with many Topekans. The work continues.

Call to Action: If you share these concerns about accountability, smart growth, and putting Shawnee County first, get involved. Reach out, attend public meetings, support transparent leadership, and consider what you can do to help build a stronger Topeka.

This post is based on publicly reported campaign finance data from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Shawnee County election results, and Kansas Public Disclosure Commission filings. Full reports are open records available through county and state offices.