This is part of a series on introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.

Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)

Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic

Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican

Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian

Name: Bryan Hoffman

Age: 35

Candidate for the position of Kansas Senate District 13

Place of residence: Mulberry, KS

Current occupation: Job Superintendent – Construction of Roads and Bridges

Community involvement: I have coached little league and I am a member of the producers cooperative in Girard.

Party affiliation: Democrat

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue is expanding access to affordable healthcare with Medicaid expansion. Southeast Kansas needs a leader who will fight to provide Southeast Kansans with access to healthcare by protecting our community hospitals and clinics. We must ensure federal tax dollars paid by Kansas taxpayers are returned and invested right here at home.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Kansas has the highest food sales tax in the country, and that’s not okay. I am in favor of lowering the food sales tax rate in order to reduce the burden on hardworking Kansas families.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I would be willing to consider legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I would not be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Providing Southeast Kansans with access to affordable healthcare means a healthier and more productive workforce. I support expanding Medicaid. In addition to providing more Kansans with access to healthcare, it creates more good-paying jobs and stimulates our economy.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life. However, abortion is a federal issue because Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.