ShaMecha for Kansas

Yes! Unaffiliated voters can vote in primaries!

Just ask for a ballot, Republican or Democrat, and vote as usual.

You can change back to unaffiliated at a later date and time.

Don’t forget!👉🏽 August 6th!

I am so grateful for the enthusiasm and support of voters and organizations like Topeka Democratic Socialists of America who are also committed to working for people first!

I’m spending my last two weeks as a primary candidate doing what I do best — showing up in public spaces asking questions and getting answers. Just like many of you!

To be stopped and poured into and asked for photos 😌 — I’m still wrapping myself around the concept of what this campaign means to the people of District 19.

So, yes — stop me, talk to me, and ask me your questions!

Let’s enjoy this moment while we still have it!

Reason 1,432 Why I Will Always Show Up For Community:

I was asked the most beautiful question tonight at SENT Topeka’s amazing Open House by a constituent.

That question was: “How do you plan to take care of YOU once you get into Kansas Senate?”

In 7 months, no questionnaire, no PAC, no potential endorser of my campaign has asked about my well-being…

…but community will.

And that’s what we need more of.

Ran into Tyler Wible, a Kansas Senate 19 Republican Primary Candidate, while early voting!
Little known fact, Tyler and I are good friends who met through our mutual community work.

Proof that peace is possible when respect is the foundation.

Also caught this sticker on my way back from early voting, which sums up my experience as a primary candidate.😇

Thank you to President Biden for answering the call for leadership during difficult times.
I can only imagine the wrenching process required in reaching such an impactful decision like the one made today.

It also speaks volumes about the trust necessary in the President/Vice-President partnership.

We have an opportunity to move forward with a perspective we’ve never had before with Vice-President Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Each voter must find their way forward with a candidate that best represents their deeply held values — but whatever is decided, be prepared to ride out!

Meet the candidates for Kansas Senate District 19 Three Democratic candidates running to represent Lecompton and parts of northwestern Lawrence and Douglas County included in Kansas Senate District 19 shared the top issues motivating them to run and much more. Republicans did not respond.

I’m going to use this post to give flowers to Douglas County Democratic Party (Kansas) for the way they’ve embraced me, coming out of Topeka — by providing a safe, neutral space to engage with Douglas County voters.

You are proof that we can share a vision of progress across surface-level differences.💙

I also want to shout out 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary Candidate Matt Kleinmann. Whose warmth, approachability, and groundedness has won me over to support his run to the November ballot.

I may have to step back a few feet to safely make eye contact — but I’m grateful to give my vote to someone who I can see eye to eye with on building trust from within.

We’re almost there!

One thing about not having a whole lot of money, you get a lot of free perspective.

Signage around our towns have proliferated and I’ve stepped on numerous mailers after a long day of work several times this week.

Maybe it’s better to be the candidate who appreciates natural beauty and the importance of sustainability.🌎🌳🚮

Remember to recycle!

Hey Friends:

As more endorsements come out, it will become harder to hear people like me over PACs and some of your favorite political influencers.

I want you to know that I’ve truly enjoyed being a candidate who is of the people and for the people.

My cadence to follow your heart and conscience as you go to the polls, over what is easy and familiar — remains.

We deserve so much more than to have options picked for us out of what money can buy.

I haven’t decided how I will spend the last two and a half weeks — but I wanted to make sure you got my love before it gets harder to feel.

In solidarity,

ShaMecha
(pronounced like “Topeka” — where I have lived, worked, raised a child, and been deep in community since 2008)
Democratic Primary Candidate for Kansas Senate — District 19

ShaMecha For Kansas – ShaMecha King Simms for Kansas Senate, District 19 Hi, I'm ShaMecha I am running to represent the voices of those like myself, who do not always have the time and ability to advocate for themselves. As a single mother and educator, I know it takes a village to come together through authentic engagement to do what’s best for our communities. As you...

That’s a wrap on the primary Candidate Forums and Meet & Greets!

✅Women for Kansas - Lawrence/Douglas Co Chapter
✅Topeka Chamber
✅Douglas County Democratic Party (Kansas)
✅Capital Area Democratic Women
✅League of Women Voters of Lawrence/Douglas County/Lawrence Kansas Branch Naacp
✅African American Democratic Caucus of Shawnee County/Shawnee County Democrats/NAACP Topeka, Kansas Unit #4042
✅League of Women Voters of Topeka, Shawnee County

If I was asked to attend, I was there!

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to provide insight into how I process the issues.

Now we turn our attention to mobilizing votes.

It’s go time!

📸 #1 by: Kleinmann for Congress

Just sharing some very personal numbers with everyone.

I’ve been on the ballot since December 2023.

I have struggled with fundraising. I’ve made no secret of that fact and some of the reasons for it.

Something has clearly shifted and this is where we are now.

✅My messaging has been consistent.

✅I haven’t asked anyone to contribute, unless I was invited to put forth an ask.

✅I’ve tried to show that I’m serious and invested whether times are lean or overflowing.

If you’ve given to this campaign, shouted me out, told anyone living in District 19 about me, or provided emotional labor — I want you to see that your investment was not made in vain.

The time draws near, but it appears we’ve only just begun.

One of this millennial’s favorite part of the 80’s-the aughts was the unexpected collaborations of some of the most seemingly distally connected artists: Run-DMC/Aerosmith; Quincy Jones and the entire We Are the World gang; and Jay-Z/Linkin Park — to name a few.

The same thing happens in community organizing. You meet someone or organization where you have overlap and the synergy is 💯.

An issue I haven’t talked nearly enough about in this primary: the importance of sustainability and renewables.

This becomes particularly challenging as proprietary interests can leave out those who do not have the means or ability to quickly adapt.

And that’s where community member and Topeka resident, Andy Fry, helps me to wonder through and sign up for opportunities to support sustainability efforts that can make the difference for all income levels.

Mr. Fry, thank you for all that you do to help us be better neighbors and stewards of Earth. Thank you so much for supporting my campaign for Kansas Senate District 19.

My deep hope is that the tragic unfolding of yesterday’s events underscore the need to interrupt the choice of violence as a means of action.

May there be healing for Mr. Trump and those directly involved.

Let our resistance center peace, civil discourse, and showing up at the polls.

Sharing ONE MORE TIME because I want to make sure as many people as possible are getting out to evaluate candidates!

We have an event in both counties tomorrow!

A post…

This is a quick note to shout out all the partners/spouses and families who are supporting someone running for an elected office!

I walked into work and ran into an unexpected upgrade to my work area — but had no other space to utilize to do my work.

“No worries, guys! I have plenty I can do until my area is ready!”

And I immediately went home to grab clothes to wash.

Because if Mom doesn’t do it, it won’t get done. Whenever we can get it done.

Thank you to the loved ones who keep the home fires burning so your candidates can go out and be great!

Another double-posting day!

Please enjoy this candid look behind the scenes of ShaMecha for Kansas, from one Mommy to another.

I’ve been here before🤰🏽

It’s always a joy to share a little bit of me with constituents.😇

Thank you to the Capital Area Democratic Women for hosting tonight’s Meet the Candidates event!

If you missed it, check their page for the video.

And if you need more time to weigh your options, check out previous posts for the next three opportunities to help narrow down your choice!

Friends:

We have a special meeting for you! We have invited all the county and state Democratic candidates in Shawnee County to come meet you on Wednesday, July 10. Here are the ones who have committed to be with us so far:

Kansas Senate: Matthew Robin, Candace Ayars, Dena Sattler

Kansas House: Jessica JP PorterforKansas, Jacquie Lightcap, Rep. Kirk Haskins, Jade Pearson Ramsdell, Tobias J. H. Schlingensiepen, Virgil Weigel, John Alcala, Alexis Simmons, Wendy Damman-Bednar

County offices: Susan Duffy, Jonathan Smith For Shawnee County Clerk, Kevin Cook, Robert Soria

We have great candidates at all levels and they want to meet you. There are even some Democratic primaries this year. You will learn about their races and how together we can end the Republican supermajority in the legislature and make inroads in Shawnee county. Let's show them our support and have a huge crowd for this meeting.

We plan to meet at the Celtic Fox at 6:00 pm. If you want to order food, please come early to order. Social time starts at 5:30. Please consider using the parking garage just east of the Celtic Fox due to all the construction in the area.

Hope you will join us....and bring a friend!

Sincerely,
Kathy Duncan
CADW President

The Wisdom of Rural Kansas Senate District 19:

Campaign life means feeling perpetually behind in everything.

Having lived in cities of 30,000+ with heavy density much of my life, I have this inane assumption that most places are walkable.

When my team gave me 96 doors in rural Shawnee/Douglas County — I thought, “I could take a 4-6 hour period and knock this out!😤💪🏽”

Absolutely not!

I quickly realized I would have to slow down.

Give all neighbors the time they needed to ask me questions and get answers. And active listening was necessary.

And in slowing down, I was able to better understand where points of overlap exist throughout District 19’s demographic make-up: infrastructure challenges, resource access for those experiencing poverty, cost burdens for housing and medical services/prescriptions — for starters.

It took four days, but rural District 19 has given me the highest canvassed numbers to date.❤️

And meeting folks like Mr. John and Ms. Mary was a real treat!

Ms. Mary imparted some great advice that I thought was worth sharing: “Every time I go to vote, I pray before I cast my ballot.”

I know this primary is tough, but the only thing worse than having to make a choice — is having one made for you.

More to come…

I’m just pretty excited for this, hence the double-posting today!

I’ve been wearing Governor Kelly merch at the doors to indicate I’m a “safe person”. But I don’t think Governor Kelly needs much more promotion for that role.🙃

And now I have my own gear to wear!

Shout out to ACME hot and fresh t-shirts made to order - Lawrence for working with me on the layout. And my kiddo — who gave me a photo from a fundraiser to turn into a cool silhouette.

These aren’t for sale — but I’m incredibly excited to have them.

I haven’t been in the game long, but I think we’re coming up on something like a primary Hell Week.🥵

I’m ready to go and I haven’t missed an event yet — so in the words of Mills Lane — “Let’s get it on!”💪🏽

7/10 — Capital Area Democratic Women Candidate Forum, Celtic Fox, 6 PM
7/13 — Check the images for information in both Douglas and Shawnee County
7/16 — Candidate Forum, Brewster Place, 3:30 PM

One of the reasons my campaign for Kansas Senate District 19 is critical for this juncture in Kansas politics — this race requires the voting public to search its conscience and heart for the right candidate for them.

This approach is often one that traditional political strategy can’t control — so it’s often traded for time-tested, data-proven metrics.

As a candidate in a (tough) primary, few organizations will openly endorse me.

I have made my peace with that — it’s just the reality of this particular race.

So, I turn to my community — the brave few that has little to lose by speaking their truth.

I thank Mr. Martin, whose passion for healing and rebuilding is remarkable — for endorsing me in the Kansas Senate District 19 race.

A small Lawrence activity photo dump…

I’m committed to finding the themes among what appears to be different throughout Kansas Senate District 19.

One of the biggest themes common throughout District 19 is the high number of “No Soliciting” signs.🥲

I made sure to capture the uniquely polite ways District 19 displays their do not disturb status.🥹😌

And while some of the conversations in Lawrence didn’t take place within District 19 proper, each one helps me to understand the dynamics better.

Check the captions for backstories!

Happy 4th of July!

I took in some of Topeka’s favorite parades starting in College Hill Topeka Neighborhood; then joined for festivities on mutual turf in both Collins Park Topeka Neighborhood and Potwin Place.

So many familiar faces to say hello to and hugs to fill up on as my candy bucket got low!

Thank you to Representative Schlingensiepen for helping me to get extra miles on my HOKAs!

Let’s get to the polls friends!

Looking forward to being in the space for Shawnee County residents interested in learning more about the candidates for District 19!

🌟 Join us for the Candidate Forum focusing on the Senate 19 & House 58 primary elections! In partnership with NAACP Topeka, Kansas Unit #4042 and Shawnee County Democrats, this event aims to educate voters about the candidates.

🗓️ When: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Harvest Church, 3200 SE Indiana Ave, Topeka, KS 66605

Empower yourself with knowledge before casting your vote! Representatives from the Shawnee County Election Office will be there for voter registration.



Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/wCcLoU6oXkYDkSBz/

The escalation of gun violence nationally, but particularly locally, demands gun safety education and the reduction in the incidence of preventable tragedies has true buy in at the Kansas Statehouse.

For my community — for Kansas Senate District 19 — it is only right to ensure that the next elected official is serious about working towards solutions that promotes safety and accountability.

Thank you Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Moms Demand Action - KS for your trust!

Wisdom is recognizing who the experts are in a community and working together to bring about opportunities.

In spite of the rain, President and CEO of IBSA, Inc., Lazone Grays, welcomed me to IBSA, Inc.’s Downtown Topeka headquarters to dialogue about a bevy of topics including:

•The efforts to increase digital equity with federal funds by leveraging a city-level planning initiative.

•IBSA’s, through Streets University, efforts to provide scalable entrepreneurial opportunities to middle and high-school aged students.

•His passion for equity in the government procurement space; employment and training services that builds confidence as well as marketability.

My favorite quote from Mr. Grays during our hour long visit: “I often ask myself, ‘What would my mother and grandmother do?’ And I just do it.”

It’s an honor to be in community with people like Mr. Grays — we have much work to do for the citizens of District 19!

Thank you to Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, Inc. for putting together this brave event and Kansas Reflector for sharing.💜

I whole heartedly agree that lawmakers must be willing to embrace more restorative justice practices to ensure individuals have tools to break away from trauma.

Proud of the wonderful organizations that help pour grace and healing into the next generations!