A Conversation With A Candidate For Kansas Governor’s Daughter
Written by Nicole.
A few weeks ago, during my mandated daily brainrot session, I came to learn of Cindy Holscher—a Kansas state senator running for governor—through her daughter Maddie’s TikTok account.
I’ve been an honorary Kansan for the last five years. If you’d told me, at the ripe old age of 16, that I’d end up in a Midwestern state, I’d be incredibly confused. I had no original intentions of ending up in Kansas, and frankly, knew nothing about the place. I’m a D.C-born Afghan-American Marylander; Kansas was a bit out of my comfort zone. But, I’ve fallen in love with this state. The people I’ve met, the views while I cruise down K-10, being a Jayhawk—it has been the most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
The one caveat of living in Kansas is being acutely aware of how the typical politics of this state is completely misaligned with my values. The Brownback experiment—where the ex-governor had cut taxes for the wealthy, leading to massive economic decline impacting average Kansans statewide—felt like a smirch on a beautiful place, with hard-working and kind citizens.
At a time where the Trump administration has run rampant, pushing the boundaries of the delicate power balance of our government, Senator Roger Marshall continues to wholeheartedly represent himself as an ardent Trump supporter, whilst simultaneously disregarding the pleas of many of his constituents. Aside from current Governor
Laura Kelly and Representative Sharice Davids, my research on the current state of Kansas politics has been devoid of any real semblance of hope—that is, until I came across Cindy Holscher.
Senator Holscher’s 2026 run for Kansas governor is markedly positive, with her intentions of expanding affordable healthcare, propelling public school funding, and support for reproductive rights. Her political background is equally as compelling, as one of the individuals who worked to end the Brownback experiment during her tenure as a representative in the Kansas House.
But, what really sold me was her daughter’s representation of her mother on social media. I think a phenomenal reflection of a person’s character comes from the way their children represent them—the love they share, the pride they have in their parents—and Cindy’s daughter, Maddie, is clearly incredibly proud of her mom. I’m very grateful to have had a chance to ask Maddie a few questions about her perspective on her mother’s campaign and political journey.
Nicole: Your mom has been in state politics since 2016—the year the Trump administration first came into power. What was it like, as her daughter, experiencing her political campaign and tenure in both the Kansas House and Senate whilst growing up in a state that’s historically right leaning?
Maddie: I remember when Trump first got elected as President, I cried. I was so scared, yet happy that my mom got elected to the Kansas House of Representatives. She’s always been focused on Kansas and how to improve our state. Despite our state being historically right leaning, I’ve seen how she’s been able to get a lot of work done, such as ending the Brownback experiment. Her work in the Kansas legislature has given me hope that one day, this whole MAGA mess will come to an end.
Nicole: Your mom’s sponsored bills and propositions really showcase a level of empathy for Kansans of all kinds, in support of legislation that fights for more affordable living and working for the common day person. I feel as daughters, we adopt our parent’s values through the lessons they provide for us. Looking back at your life, how do you feel those values have been established in your everyday experiences, and what role has your mom had in influencing you as an individual?
Maddie: Oh god, my mom has had a huge impact on my life. I don’t even know how to describe it. First and foremost, she’s always taught us to serve others and volunteer. I remember when I was young, we bought Christmas presents for kids at adoption agencies. She’s always been a huge advocate for helping those who are not as fortunate as I am. This has become one of my values and morals, which is to serve and educate.
Nicole: What sparked the idea for your first video dedicated to your mom?
Maddie: LOL, my first video, I randomly created one day because I was procrastinating my Calc III homework, and wanted to promote my awesome mom.
Nicole: Of all of your mom’s past and present initiatives, which are you the most personally passionate about and why?
Maddie: I am for sure most passionate about affordable healthcare, which she is an advocate for, and so am I. As someone who suffers from a chronic illness, I go to endless doctor’s appointments, and I experience and interact with healthcare almost daily–which makes me so passionate about affordable healthcare and reproductive rights, especially for women.
I am incredibly grateful to have had a chance to speak with Cindy’s daughter, Maddie. Cindy Holscher’s campaign brings me great hope for the state of Kansas—I’ve witnessed as my friends have struggled, and feel that Cindy Holscher, as governor of the great state of Kansas, will do phenomenal work to improve the lives of the Kansan people. I look forward to seeing the remainder of her campaign, and her future accomplishments. Thank you to Maddie for taking the time to speak with us! Check out KS Senator Holscher’s Governor campaign page and social links, and Maddie’s TikTok below.
Cindy for Governor - Instagram
Made by a human—no AI was used in the creation of this piece.
