Campaign update

Austin Stapleton

Candidate for Eleventh District Kansas Senate

Austin B. Stapleton is a dedicated case manager with  experience in Community Corrections. A proud graduate of Pittsburg State University, he has made Pittsburg, Kansas, his home,  where he actively engages in various community activities and initiatives.

In addition to his professional work, Austin is deeply involved in the local arts scene, participating in community theater productions and serving on the Board of the Pittsburg Community Chorus. He is a member of both the First United Methodist Church and Saint Peter's Episcopal Church.

Growing up on a hobby farm in Joplin, Missouri, Austin attended Carl Junction schools, where he developed a strong sense of community and civic duty. This dedication to public service has continued into adulthood, as evidenced by his candidacy for Senate District 13, his role as a Democratic precinct committee person since 2020, and his current position as Secretary of the Kansas Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus. Austin also served as past president of the Crawford County Young Democrats.

A devoted spouse and parent, Austin and his wife, Sylvia, are raising two sons; Donnie and Reece,  instilling in them the same values of community involvement and public service.

Mr. Stapleton’s campaign priorities are centered on increasing young voter turnout by advocating for policies that support working-class families. Key focus areas include Medicaid expansion, fair tax reform, pragmatic use of taxes, creating economic opportunity for young Southeast Kansans, and reproductive freedom.

Austin is committed to building a better future for SEK communities and believes in the power of grassroots engagement, informed policy-making, and evidence-based practices to drive meaningful change.