Wichita Firefighters’ Union Says It Does Not Endorse Zach Werhan
The Wichita Firefighters' union, IAFF Local 135, has issued a statement clarifying that it does not endorse Kansas House candidate Zach Werhan, after he used a photograph featuring firefighters in a campaign advertisement without their consultation or approval.
Wichita Hutchinson Plus, KS, October 16, 2026 —
The Wichita Firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 135, issued a statement clarifying that it does not endorse Kansas House candidate Zach Werhan. The statement followed the use of a photograph featuring firefighters in a campaign advertisement for Werhan.
According to the information provided, the firefighters shown in the photograph were not consulted about its use and did not approve it. The union’s statement addressed the distinction between the image appearing in the advertisement and the union’s position on the candidate: IAFF Local 135 said it does not endorse Werhan.
The information provided does not specify when the advertisement ran, where it appeared, or when the union issued its statement. It also does not identify the photographer, describe the advertisement’s wording, or say whether the campaign responded to the union’s clarification. No details were provided about any further action by the union or the campaign.
The statement concerns the use of an image featuring firefighters in campaign material and the union’s position on a candidate. The available information does not establish that the firefighters or the union supported Werhan; it says the firefighters were not consulted or asked for approval, and that the union does not endorse him.
Story summarized from the original created by Jeffrey Lutz on www.kwch.com, see more information here.
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