Topeka Democrat runs for Kansas Senate, potentially challenging God's Storehouse founder

Gov. Laura Kelly's former spokesperson is running for the Kansas Senate in what could be a race against the founder of God's Storehouse.

Dena Sattler, a Topeka Democrat, announced her campaign for the 2024 elections in a Thursday news release from Senate Democrats.

"I am proud to announce my run for Kansas Senate District 3," Sattler said. "I've always been passionate about serving my community, my state and my nation, and welcome this amazing opportunity to represent the people of my region in the Kansas Senate."

Dena Sattler could face Rick Kloos

The district includes parts of Shawnee, Douglas and Franklin counties and all of Osage County.

District 3 is currently represented by Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, but redistricting put him into a different district. The new map moves current District 19 Sen. Rick Kloos, R-Berryton, into District 3.

Kloos founded God's Storehouse, which was a controversy over his use of the church's branding in political materials. The Internal Revenue Service subsequently opened an investigation, questioning the tax-exempt status while arguing the church is primarily a thrift store. A related federal court case remains pending in the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Kloos, who is majority whip, hasn't formally announced a run for District 3 and isn't listed on the Secretary of State's Office's candidate list. His latest Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission finance report shows his campaign account had $20,000 cash on hand as of the end of 2022.

He didn't respond to a request for comment.

Who is Dena Sattler?

Sattler is a military veteran and longtime writer and publisher, having worked at the Garden City Telegram, the Ottawa Herald and the Hutchinson News. She served on the editorial board for The Topeka Capital-Journal. She later worked as a spokesperson for the governor's office, then for the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Most recently she was a marketing contractor for the Commerce Department. The contract ended July 31.

The news release touted Sattler's "long record of endorsing candidates on both sides of the aisle while a newspaper publisher" as evidence of her "moderate, bipartisan approach."

"Our focus has to be on building an even stronger future for every Kansan, which means prioritizing education, health care and economic growth," Sattler said. "I have many years of budget management and believe we can be fiscally responsible while still supporting our friends, neighbors and communities.

"I'm a common-sense candidate who will put the people of Kansas and their interests first."

Dena Sattler has endorsements of prominent Republican and Democrat

Sattler has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa.

"Senate Democrats are excited to have another top recruit joining our team for the 2024 election cycle," Sykes said. "Dena has a proven record of service and engagement within her communities. The residents of District 3 deserve the type of responsive representation she will bring as their state senator."

She also has the endorsement of former Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton.

"Dena Sattler will serve the people of Senate District 3 with dedication and distinction, and her strong record of service is proof," Morris said. "I know firsthand her ability as a leader and passionate advocate for thoughtful, responsible policies. She knows how to work with others to get things done and will hit the ground running in the Kansas Senate."

Jason Alatidd is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jtidd@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka Democrat Dena Sattler runs for Rick Kloos' Kansas Senate seat