Michael Soetaert is an art gallery owner from Wellington who was previously a Wellington city council member until recently. He grew up in Spring Hill, Kansas, and is a perennial candidate who has run for various local, state, and federal offices over the years. In 2022, he ran unsuccessfully for Kansas's 2nd Congressional District. Soetaert is also running for President of the United States in 2028. He was the first openly gay candidate to run for U.S. Senate representing Kansas.
Michael Soetaert is from Wellington, Kansas, and has been active in local politics and business as an art gallery owner. He has run for multiple offices including his hometown city council and the U.S. House. As the first openly gay candidate to run for U.S. Senate in Kansas, he represents a diversifying Democratic field.
Changed from pro-life to pro-choice
The Hutchinson News reported in 2019 that Soetaert was a conservative, pro-life candidate. However, his website says he changed his mind on abortion after 'Kansans voted for bodily autonomy' in the 2022 abortion rights referendum.
Support marriage equality
Supported the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, which shored up protections for gay marriage in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its 2015 decision
Limited prior electoral experience. Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. House and various local offices.
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