Letter From Anne: The Road So Far
On March 1, 2025, I, along with two of my friends, left home at around 3 a.m. to meet our Senator Roger Marshall at his Oakley town hall. So many concerned citizens of Kansas took the time out of their lives to be there that day. And when he realized we were there to take him to task for legislation he has supported, he proved to us he had little respect for the People he works for, and he is unfit to hold that seat. When Mr. Chuck Nunn—who since went viral—asked his question on how DOGE cuts were impacting our Veterans, the room was silent as we waited for Marshall’s response. And Marshall’s response was to leave approximately 22 minutes early from the 1-hour town hall we were promised.
He accused those of us in that room that day of being troublemakers and paid Democratic operatives. Neither of those things are true. But I did tell him that day that I wanted his job. And I do intend to take it. Because he doesn’t serve the People of Kansas. How could he if he won’t even talk to them? If he runs away? He can’t. So I will.
Since then, I’ve criss-crossed Kansas in my minivan dozens of times; the state my husband, Nikhil and I have called home for over a decade — meeting husbands and wives, dads and moms, children just like mine, teachers, farmers, unionists, nurses, first responders, truck drivers, restaurant industry professionals, and so many other Kansans. Meeting you.
We have talked about how we are a nation with shared values, about how we are actually a lot closer in our beliefs than politicians and our algorithms would have us believe. We’ve talked about how our nation has been divided and torn apart by misinformation and piecemeal information, about how politicians are too worried about their careers or corporations to deliver actual solutions for We the People. We’ve talked about how fed up we are of this, and how it is time for new public servants to go and fight FOR what we need rather than just against another “side.”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “Republican, Democrat, or unaffiliated, hold your public officials accountable. You deserve better. Demand better. They are YOUR public servants. You are their boss.” And I will not forget that when I am your Senator.
In September, we officially launched our campaign with a pancake breakfast on Labor Day. I was overwhelmed by the turnout. The support from loved ones and from those who I had just met was incredible.
People are ready for change.
I’ve been to town halls, candidate forums, brats and brews, and ice cream socials. I’ve had roundtables, and we are going to be in every county in the upcoming months. From Sedgwick County to Ford County, from Wyandotte to Montgomery, from Riley to Reno. I’ve made friends in Pratt and Cunningham Counties, and got to visit my Great Grandpa’s childhood hometown, Dodge City.
I’ve been to No Kings Rallies in Topeka and in Salina (thank you to the Committed Kansas Activists for inviting me, for your endorsement, and for all the amazing work you continue to do). I’ve showed up with you because I believe that We the People must come together to protect ourselves – no one is coming to save us. I’m there because I believe it is my duty to show up. I love this country, and it is my duty to stand up for what is right.
I was honored to attend the US Marine Corps breakfast in Lenexa, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Corps. I met so many men and women who have sacrificed, whose families have sacrificed, for the greater good. My team and I were proud to attend the Veterans’ Day Parade in Manhattan the next day. And I was at the Veterans’ Strategy Summit in Topeka in October to learn from our Veterans what they need from their country.
Shortly thereafter, I attended the Kansas Farmers Union Conference in Wichita where I was able to learn what our farmers need from their government, be a part of their proposed policy discussion, and meet some great people. This organization does a lot of great work to protect our farmers. Our farmers don’t care about partisan politics; they just want to farm.
I had a wonderful time meeting and learning from our Union leaders and members at the AFL-CIO Conference at Prairie Band Casino and Resort. I’ve made it clear that I stand with Unions. Without labor, there is nothing. These men and women are the embodiment of what it truly means to be an American Patriot. And we must reinvigorate our Unions if we want to see a thriving middle class again in these United States.
I met and was blessed to be endorsed by Ms. Carole Blackwood with the Heart of America Indian Center in Kansas City. We had a great conversation about Native American history, and she shared some of the current concerns and needs of that community, including a discussion on treaties they have with the US Government.
And I was blessed to attend several holiday potlucks in December. Christmas is my favorite holiday!
I’ve shared with you all that we need institutional reform, we need to update and enforce our anti-Trust laws, and we must make life livable for the People of Kansas again.
2025 changed my life.
In 2026, we give this government back to the People, together.
Onward and Upward.
Anne Parelkar
Candidate for US Senate, Kansas