photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

County Commissioner Gene Dorsey speaks at a panel on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

After losing in the primary election, Commissioner Gene Dorsey is launching a write-in campaign for Douglas County Commission District 4, saying the general election should give all voters a voice.

His opponent in the primary, Ethan Spurling, received 1,999 votes, while Dorsey received 1,688 votes in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary election for the District 4 seat, according to official election results. Because Spurling received more votes, he advanced to the general election as the Democratic nominee. No Republican filed for the seat, which means Spurling’s name will the only one the general election ballot.

In a press release, Dorsey said he respects the results from the primary, but he believes the general election should “give all voters a voice.

“No matter how someone is registered or how that person voted in the primary, every resident deserves a commissioner who listens, studies the facts and makes responsible decisions for the entire district,” Dorsey said in the release.

Dorsey said his priorities include easing the property tax burden on older county residents with fixed incomes, supporting residents with serious mental-health needs, preserving open spaces, and making careful decisions about county spending and staffing. He also advocates greater government transparency, meaningful public participation, and continued outreach to residents.

“This write-in campaign is about giving every voter a voice and every resident a seat at the table,” Dorsey said in the release. “Douglas County deserves steady, independent leadership that respects differences and focuses on results. The goal is not to govern for one movement, organization or political faction. The goal is to represent everyone.”

In response to Dorsey’s announcement, Spurling told the Journal-World in a written statement that he respect’s Dorsey’s right to run a write-in campaign, “just as I respect voters’ right to make their own choice.”

“That said, I’m disappointed by how Mr. Dorsey has handled this,” Spurling said. “Before I filed to run, I met with Mr. Dorsey for coffee and told him directly that I intended to run. Unfortunately, he has not extended that same courtesy in return.”

As the Journal-World reported, at a June candidate forum, the two candidates disagreed over Dorsey’s opposition to a pilot program providing tenants facing eviction with legal counsel. Dorsey said he preferred using the money for rental assistance, while Spurling supported the program, citing its effectiveness in other communities.

Dorsey also accused Spurling of running a “dirty” campaign ad at the same June forum, highlighting his vote against the program and campaign contributions from a prominent Lawrence landlord. Spurling defended the messaging, saying it contained only information from the public record and made no negative statements about Dorsey.

Spurling said that regardless of the write-in campaign, he plans to continue staying focused on the issues impacting Douglas County and District 4 residents.

“Tackling affordability, protecting our environment and open space, and putting the interests of people first,” Spurling said. “I encourage folks to finish their ballots, and I humbly ask for their vote on or before Nov. 3.”

The voters interested in supporting Dorsey must write “Gene Dorsey” in the write-in space for Douglas County Commission District 4 and darken the oval on the ballot as directed.

“Dorsey invites all residents of District 4 to join him in making history as the first write-in candidate to win election in a major Douglas County race,” the release said.