The key to building community starts with a single vote for Tom.

Meet Tom Palenske, Brigadier General (Ret.), USAF

Tom is a proud Kansas native who graduated from Topeka West High School in 1986.

Almost 40 years later, he's returned home, ready to serve those who love Kansas as much as he does.

The Mission

During his service, Tom was admired as an "Airman's commander" — he listened to his teammates at all levels and drove change, striving to make their lives and their families lives' better and in some cases, easier — to support the mission.

And the mission here is simple—as a Republican for the people, Tom is focused on building community through securing affordable home ownership, fostering small business growth, and safeguarding Kansas' future.

Call to Serve

Following high school graduation, he joined his family members, answering our Nation's call to serve by enlisting in the Kansas Army National Guard. He stayed local in Kansas for a bit longer, working at the Good Year tire factory and leading small teams in distribution centers.

Tom was a committed Patriot—and his call to serve drove a strong desire to lead our Nation's top 1%, the young men and women of our military. He commissioned as a special operations helicopter pilot in the United States Air Force immediately after graduating from Friends University.

Over the last four decades, Tom served his country with distinction-first as a crew chief and door gunner, then as an instructor pilot and combat aviator. He flew special operations missions around the world and led at every level, ultimately commanding two Wings, and retiring as a Brigadier General after nearly four decades in uniform.

Path to Campaign

But Tom's service hasn't stopped. He came back to his home state — he built businesses, created jobs, and continues to serve through entrepreneurship and innovation. Today, he and his family call Olathe home.

Tom never set out to run for office. His path to this campaign began the same way his career did—with a simple question: how can I serve? After reaching out to John Resman, he asked where he could be of most help, Tom was encouraged to step forward and lead once again.

When John asked him to run, his answer was rooted in the same principle that has guided his entire life—service. Following John's passing, Tom made the decision to carry that call to service forward. Not for personal ambition, but out of respect, duty, and a deep love for Kansas-to safeguard Kansas' future, and build the community he wants his kids, and your kids, to raise their families in.

Safeguarding Kansas’ Future

Tom believes it's time to return Kansas to the values that built it—hard work, strong communities, personal responsibility, and neighbors looking out for one another.

His campaign is about servant leadership, putting people first, and restoring a government that works for the citizens it represents.

He isn't running to be someone important-he's running to do something important: to serve the people of Kansas and safeguard Kansas' future.