Russel Stukey

Russel Stukey is the Republican candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 76 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Democrat David Claridge.[1][2] A longtime firefighter and emergency management official, he said in a Ballotpedia survey that he wants to keep government small and efficient and support Kansas agricultural producers.[3]

Russel Stukey earned a high school diploma from Waverly High School and an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College in 1994.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he was born and raised in the 76th House District and that he and his wife operate the family farm in central Coffey County.[3] He said he worked for the Emporia Fire Department from 1994 to 2008, was Coffey County's Director of Emergency Management from 2008 to 2020, and has been Riley County's Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief since 2020, a position he said he would leave in September 2026.[3]

Stukey said in the survey that his priorities include evaluating legislation for its effect on cities and counties to prevent unnecessary tax increases from unfunded mandates, and legislation affecting first responders.[3] He listed endorsements from Kansans for Life, the Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Bankers Association.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.