Christy Cauble Davis is a fifth-generation Kansan from Cottonwood Falls who previously served as Kansas Director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development under President Joe Biden. She has extensive background in community development, historic preservation, and rural development work. Davis worked as a preservation planner for the city of Newton and as a preservation officer with the Kansas Historical Society before moving to Chase County in 2013 to become executive director of Symphony in the Flint Hills, where she focused on conservation of the endangered Flint Hills landscape. She is making her first run for elected office in 2026 after running unsuccessfully for Kansas's 1st Congressional District in 2020.
Christy Davis grew up in Harvey County and earned degrees from Kansas State University and Wichita State University. She has worked extensively in community development, historic preservation, and rural development. As USDA Rural Development director, she oversaw investments generating billions in economic impact across Kansas. Davis is known for showing up in person to speak with constituents, calling herself a 'road warrior,' and has worked in every county in Kansas through her various roles.
Support for rural communities
As USDA Rural Development director, oversaw major investments in businesses, infrastructure, housing, and healthcare projects generating billions in economic impact. Believes rural communities cannot be counted out and need statewide focus.
Strong public education defender
Unwavering supporter of public education and convinced that efforts to close the U.S. Department of Education will make it a significant campaign issue. Opposes appropriating tax dollars to private schools.
Pro-choice
Denounced proposed amendments to Kansas Constitution that would restrict abortion access, noting Kansas voters rejected such efforts in 2022
Support due process and humanitarian approach
Believes Congress should stand up for fundamental rights including due process amid Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Concerned about ICE detention practices and federal law enforcement imbalance.
Not applicable - has never held elected office
Davis emphasizes ability to work with hard-line Republicans, citing her experience collaborating with conservative legislators, and frames herself as representing all Kansans regardless of voting patterns
Spoke at Kansas Democratic Party annual convention about importance of rural communities
Emphasized that only 2% of rural Americans are in production agriculture and issues like healthcare, mental health, and education are critical