Hailey
The 2025 Kansas Primary Election results are in — at least the unofficial ones — and they show who is currently leading in some of the state’s most closely watched local races.
Although not final, these early numbers from Topeka’s mayoral and city council elections give voters an idea of where the races stand after ballots were cast on August 5, 2025.
This article explains the latest developments in simple and clear language for anyone looking to understand what happened.
Topeka Mayor Race: Duncan Takes Strong Lead
The biggest contest in Topeka is for mayor, and the unofficial results show Spencer Duncan with a strong lead over the other five candidates. Here’s a look at the numbers after all 172 precincts reported:
| Candidate | Votes Received |
|---|---|
| Spencer Duncan | 4,456 |
| Henry McClure | 1,057 |
| James L. Bolden Jr. | 535 |
| Ed Patton | 497 |
| Chad Fay | 437 |
| Gabriel Killman | 425 |
In total, 7,407 votes were cast in the mayoral primary. With more than four times the votes of his nearest competitor, Spencer Duncan appears likely to move on to the general election in November.
City Council District 1: Hiller Ahead
The race for Topeka City Council District 1 also had several candidates, but one name stands out in the unofficial tally: Karen Hiller. With votes counted from all 18 precincts, here’s the breakdown:
| Candidate | Votes Received |
|---|---|
| Karen Hiller | 358 |
| William Naeger | 195 |
| Jolie Lippitt | 116 |
| Brendan R. Jensen | 66 |
| Tyler S. Jaggers | 50 |
| Eli J. Bohannan | 18 |
The total votes in District 1 were 803. With nearly double the votes of the second-place finisher, Hiller is currently leading the race.
What Are Unofficial Results?
Unofficial election results are the first numbers released after polls close. They include all in-person votes and sometimes early ballots, but do not include all mail-in ballots or provisional ballots. These results can change once every valid vote is counted and verified.
So, even though these results show who is ahead, the official outcome won’t be finalized until after the canvass, which confirms the total vote.
Voter Turnout and Participation
Turnout in local elections is usually lower than in state or national races. In Topeka:
- 7,407 votes were cast in the mayor’s race
- 803 votes were cast in the District 1 city council race
These numbers show that while thousands came out to vote, many eligible voters still stayed home. This highlights why every vote really matters, especially in smaller local races.
What Happens Next?
These unofficial winners—Spencer Duncan and Karen Hiller—will likely move on to the general election in November 2025, where the final winners will be chosen. However, the Kansas Secretary of State’s office must certify the results first.
The canvass process, which takes place within a week or two after the election, will verify the votes and confirm if these candidates officially advance.
Why Local Elections Matter
Local leaders like mayors and city council members decide on things that affect everyday life:
- Public safety and police budgets
- Roads and construction projects
- Taxes and city services
- Parks, schools, and more
Even though these elections don’t always get big headlines, they directly impact residents, businesses, and communities.
- Spencer Duncan leads in the Topeka mayor’s race with 4,456 votes
- Karen Hiller is ahead in City Council District 1 with 358 votes
- These are unofficial results—final confirmation comes after mail ballots and canvassing
- The general election is in November 2025
- Local elections impact roads, safety, and how city money is spent
The 2025 Kansas Primary Election is shaping up to be an exciting race as unofficial results show clear front-runners for the mayor and council seats in Topeka.
With Spencer Duncan and Karen Hiller leading in their respective races, all eyes are now on the official vote count and the upcoming November election.
These early results give the public an idea of where things stand, but remember, they’re not the final word. As mail-in ballots are added and votes are verified, there might be some changes.
Still, what’s clear is that local elections like these play a major role in shaping our cities and neighborhoods. Stay informed, stay engaged, and always make your voice heard at the ballot box.