When I first ran for Sedgwick County Commission, I promised to bring a conservative voice, ask difficult questions, and challenge the status quo. I believe I have kept that promise.
Over the past three terms, I have become known as the commission's "data guy"—someone who studies the details, analyzes the numbers, and isn't afraid to challenge recommendations when the facts don't support them. I am not a rubber stamp. Good government requires thoughtful debate, accountability, and independent judgment. My voting record demonstrates a willingness to stand alone when necessary because I believe elected officials should represent the taxpayers first, not simply approve whatever is placed before them.
I am proud to be recognized as the fiscal conservative on the commission. Throughout my service, I have consistently advocated for limiting the growth of government, trimming budgets where appropriate, and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary spending. At the same time, I recognize that government has certain core responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is honoring the will of the voters regarding services for our senior citizens. In 1982, Sedgwick County voters approved the Aging Mill Levy by a two-to-one margin. I believe that vote established a clear mandate to support senior services, and I have consistently supported fulfilling that commitment within the framework approved by the voters.
I have also been a leading voice for individual liberty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I opposed government-imposed mask mandates, gathering restrictions, and business shutdowns. Instead, I advocated for providing citizens with information, personal protective equipment, testing, and vaccinations for those who wanted them. Even during a national emergency, I believed government should respect the sovereignty of its citizens and trust people to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Another area where I have invested significant effort is juvenile justice reform. I was deeply concerned by the closure of Judge Riddel Boys Ranch and the loss of an important local resource for youth struggling with serious behavioral challenges. While I was unable to prevent that closure, I continued working on the underlying issues. In recent years, I helped draft, advocate for, and secure passage of House Bill 2329, legislation designed to improve outcomes for criminogenic youth and foster children while reducing future crime and violence. These reforms will have lasting benefits for both Sedgwick County and the State of Kansas.
Today, I am widely regarded as a subject matter expert on election security, tax policy, and local government finance. As property taxes continue to burden homeowners, seniors, farmers, and businesses, I believe Kansas needs comprehensive reform rather than temporary fixes. I intend to continue working with local and state leaders to develop practical, long-term solutions that provide meaningful relief while preserving essential services.
After three terms, I bring something that cannot be learned overnight: experience, institutional knowledge, and a proven record of leadership. I understand how county government works, where reforms are needed, and how to effectively advocate for our community at both the local and state levels.
I am running for re-election because there is still important work to do. Sedgwick County needs leaders who will ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, protect taxpayers, defend individual liberty, support public safety, care for our seniors, and fight for responsible government.
That is the work I have been doing, and that is the work I intend to continue.
"Conservative leadership. Independent judgment. Fiscal responsibility. Defending liberty. Serving Sedgwick County."
About Jim
Jim Howell grew up in southeast Sedgwick County, attended Derby and Wichita public schools, and has served District 5 — covering southeast Wichita, McConnell Air Force Base, Derby, and Mulvane — since 2015. Before the commission, Jim served two terms in the Kansas House of Representatives and five honorable years in the U.S. Air Force, including a deployment to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield. He was named Airman of the Year in his unit.
After the military, Jim spent 25 years in Flight Test Instrumentation at Boeing, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier — work that shaped his identity as the "Data Guy" on the commission. He relies on data, digs into the details, asks the deeper questions, and is reliably conservative. He holds the record for the most 4-to-1 votes — likely in the history of Sedgwick County — because he believes voting your conscience matters even when you stand alone.
Jim is intentional about being accessible — not just available. He hosts community "coffees" and public engagement events throughout the district, running 43 scheduled community events in 2026 alone, including four coffees per month. He stands for questions, accepts criticism openly, and uses these gatherings as learning opportunities for residents. He believes elected officials have a responsibility to show up, not just show up on election day.
Jim and his wife Leah have been married 35 years. They raised five children in District 5 and now enjoy three daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren. Jim leads an adult Sunday school class and serves as church treasurer. He holds degrees from Friends University, Southern Illinois University, and the College of the Air Force.
The government is not here to rule the people. The people are at the top of my organizational chart. They are my boss. I am here to serve the people of District 5 — to help them find joy and prosperity.— Jim Howell, Sedgwick County Commissioner, District 5
Platform
Since Jim took office in 2015, the county mill levy has dropped from 29.478 to 27.567 mills. He champions the "Property Tax Check Valve" — reserving property tax dollars exclusively for core government functions like the Sheriff, 911, EMS, and public works.
Jim led the effort to fix the EMS paramedic shortage that left the community vulnerable — over 100 paramedics were lost, and the system has been fully rebuilt. He is currently advocating for an out-of-cycle ambulance crew placement in the Derby area to serve Sedgwick County's growing 2nd city of the first class.
Jim has led the effort to address firefighter pay and bolster Sedgwick County Fire District #1. He created the SCFD#1 Steering Council — a nine-member board composed entirely of fire district residents — to give the community a direct voice in fire services.
Jim has studied election security in depth and conducts public "Tax Talks" and voter security sessions to educate citizens. Sedgwick County uses 100% paper ballots, pre-election testing, and post-election hand-count audits. He advocates for continued improvements to safeguard every vote.
Jim has championed county programming to help senior residents stay in their homes safely and longer. Keeping seniors independent and connected to services is both fiscally smart and the right thing to do for our community.
After three years of community meetings and roundtable discussions, Jim helped draft and testified repeatedly to pass HB2329 — landmark legislation that will help both foster kids and juvenile offender youth. He is a consistent advocate for effective, humane juvenile justice policy.
Jim hosts 4 community coffees per month and has 43 public engagement events scheduled in 2026 alone. He believes elected officials must be genuinely accessible — standing for questions, accepting criticism, and offering real learning opportunities on issues that affect District 5 residents. This isn't campaigning; it's governing.
Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County operates 46 distinct agencies, employs approximately 2,800 people, and manages a $620 million annual budget. Every dollar spent — and every dollar saved — is a direct reflection of the commission's priorities and discipline.
Top priority. Sheriff, jail, 911 dispatch, EMS, fire district, courts, District Attorney, and emergency management — the core of what county government must do.
600 miles of paved roads and 600 county bridges — maintained and improved to support a growing, mobile community across all of Sedgwick County.
SCDDO (developmental disabilities), Aging services, Public Health, mental health services, and more — a safety net for the county's most vulnerable residents.
HR, purchasing, fleet management, accounting, and the administrative functions that keep the county running efficiently and accountably behind the scenes.
Track Record
6.5% reduction in the property tax rate since Jim took office in 2015 — the mill levy dropped from 29.478 to 27.567 mills through disciplined spending control, not accounting tricks.
AAA bond rating — every year of Jim's tenure. Extremely rare for a large county. The result of superior fiscal management: controlled spending, record-low debt, and a $620M budget managed with discipline.
County debt at record low levels. Jim has consistently voted to control spending and reduce borrowing — protecting future taxpayers from the cost of today's decisions.
~$41M in county-retained sales tax revenue used annually to offset property taxes. The 1% countywide sales tax (in place since 1985) generated over $149M in 2025, shared across all municipalities per state formula.
Rebuilt the EMS paramedic system — led the effort to fix systemic issues that caused the loss of over 100 paramedics, leaving the community vulnerable. The system is now rebuilt and improving each year.
SCFD#1 Steering Council — created a nine-member citizen board composed entirely of fire district residents to govern Sedgwick County Fire District #1 and led the effort to address firefighter pay.
COVID "Educate and Trust" — led this common-sense approach during the pandemic. Voted against mask mandates and gathering restrictions. Secured $4M to build a county DNA saliva testing lab that kept people working and gathering safely.
HB2329 — signed into law — after 3 years of community meetings and roundtable discussions, Jim helped draft and testified repeatedly on this legislation benefiting foster kids and juvenile offender youth.
South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital — led county support for this transformational behavioral health facility, now less than two years from opening.
Wichita Biomedical Campus & COMCARE facility — supported development of a major economic and health services hub now taking shape in our community.
Senior citizen programming — championed county programs that help elderly residents safely remain in their homes longer, maintaining independence and dignity.
"Property Tax Check Valve" — championed this innovative policy reserving property tax dollars exclusively for core government functions: Sheriff, jail, 911, EMS, and public works.
Legislative champion in Topeka — testified on dozens of bills every year. Shepherded legislation from draft to the Governor's desk, successfully advancing county interests at the state level year after year.
Courthouse & public facilities — new and remodeled courtrooms, District Attorney spaces, a new election office, Emergency Management facility, and juvenile corrections complex all advanced during his tenure.
Op-Eds & Columns
Jim writes a regular column sharing his views on county issues, fiscal policy, and community life. Browse recent op-eds below, or read the full archive.
In the Community
District 5
District 5 covers southeast Wichita, McConnell Air Force Base, Derby, and Mulvane. View your district boundaries below, and use the links to verify or update your voter registration before Election Day.
Get Involved
Whether you want to volunteer, put up a yard sign, or just share Jim's message with your neighbors — every bit of support makes a difference. Reach out today.
Paid for by Howell for County Commission, Keith Rhodes, Treasurer.