Silas Miller runs to keep Kansas Senate District 25 seat

Silas Miller, a Democrat representing Wichita's Kansas Senate District 25, is running to keep the seat in the general election. He faces Republican Christopher Parisho for the rest of an unexpired term.

The Sedgwick County Democratic Party selected Miller on Dec. 4, 2025, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sen. Mary Ware, as the Kansas Reflector first reported. Miller prevailed 16-5 over Tom Witt. He had previously served as state representative for Kansas House District 86 from 2023 to 2025, according to BallotReady.

The policy positions below are drawn from Miller's campaign website and reflect his own statements unless otherwise noted.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Office sought: Kansas State Senate, District 25 (Wichita, Sedgwick County)
Education: High school diploma, Wichita High School
Military service: U.S. Marine Corps

Miller describes himself on his campaign website as a barber by trade and an educator by calling, saying he built his career cutting hair, managing shops and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. He completed trade school after his military career, according to the site. He is listed as an insurance broker at Family First Life on the Kansas Legislature's website.

Experience and public service

Kansas State Senate, District 25: 2025 to present
Kansas House of Representatives, District 86: 2023 to 2025
Learning facilitator, Eric Fisher Academy: 2018 to 2021
Department supervisor, Lowe's Home Improvement: 2021 to 2022
Project manager, Crown Roofing LLC: 2021
Business development manager, Mad Rabbit: 2023

On the issues

Property tax relief: Miller says property tax valuations in Sedgwick County keep rising and that families on fixed incomes and young homeowners get squeezed hardest. He says he supports SB 488, which would amend the Kansas Constitution to phase out property taxes entirely, and supports immediate relief for seniors and homeowners.

Sales tax on essential products: Miller says Kansas still charges full sales tax on diapers, tampons and incontinence products. He says he supports SB 389 and HB 2073 to eliminate sales tax on diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence products.

Public education funding: Miller says he supports full and transparent funding of Kansas public schools, including adequate state support for special education so local districts are not left covering shortfalls. He says Kansas has historically underfunded special education, leaving districts to cut corners or use general funds.

Medicaid expansion and health care access: Miller says Kansas is one of the remaining states that has not expanded Medicaid. He says he supports expansion and is collaborating on SB 360, the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill to rein in pharmacy benefit managers.

Child care: Miller says working parents in District 25 need child care options they can trust and afford. He says he is watching the new Office of Early Childhood to ensure it delivers safety inspections, provider support and transparent reporting, and supports state investment in both supply and quality.

Miller also says on his campaign website that he secured a multi-state compact allowing licensed cosmetologists and tattoo artists to practice across state lines.