Pete Meitzner, the Republican incumbent on the Sedgwick County Commission representing District 1, is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democratic challenger Sarah McMillen.
The five-member Sedgwick County Commission oversees the county budget, sets the property tax levy, manages county roads and infrastructure, and directs services including public safety, courts and parks. Each commissioner represents one of five geographic districts.
The following profile is based on Meitzner's campaign materials, his official county biography and BallotReady election data. Responses on policy issues reflect the candidate's own statements.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Sedgwick County Commission, District 1
- Residence: Lifelong Wichita resident
- Education: Wichita State University; Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School
Experience and public service
Meitzner has served a combined 15 years in local elected office, according to his campaign website. That includes seven years on the Wichita City Council representing District II, where he served from 2011 to 2019, and what he describes as his eighth year as a Sedgwick County commissioner.
Before entering public office, Meitzner was in the banking industry in Wichita for more than a dozen years, according to his county biography.
He then became an entrepreneur. He founded a telecom company that eventually went public. He also serves on several nonprofit and community boards.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Meitzner's campaign issues page and BallotReady questionnaire responses.
Budget and fiscal policy: Meitzner says a solid and responsible budget is the cornerstone that allows Sedgwick County to deliver quality and safe services to residents and businesses.
Economic development: Meitzner says the county should support businesses through basic infrastructure and less restrictive policies. He has said he wants "more red carpet, and less red tape from government."
Quality of life: Meitzner says he prefers the term "living well" over "quality of life," arguing that if a program or amenity helps residents live well, it benefits the broader community.
Public safety: Meitzner says his goal is to cultivate a healthy, safe and welcoming community through exceptional public services, effective partnerships and dedicated county employees.
The Wichita Ledger sent a questionnaire to all candidates in contested Sedgwick County races. This profile reflects publicly available information and the candidate's own published responses. It does not constitute an endorsement.
