> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Chili competition raises funds for Kan. House candidate Robertson - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/chili-competition-raises-funds-for-kan-house-candidate-robertson/ - Published: 2026-09-29T20:10:18.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-29T20:10:18.000Z - Description: Hosted by McPherson Democratic Party, all were welcome to taste test - Author: Sarah Newberry - Tags: McPherson County, dnn, #news Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a story. [Sign up free](https://subscribe.citizenjournal.us/?ref=citizenjournal.us) The McPherson County Democrats brought residents together for a friendly chili competition on Sept. 27 while giving [House District 73](https://www.sos.ks.gov/elections/district-maps.html?ref=citizenjournal.us) Democratic candidate Bobby Joe Robertson, Jr. an opportunity to connect with voters ahead of the [Nov. 3 election](https://sos.ks.gov/elections/important-election-dates.html?ref=citizenjournal.us). The cook-off was held at Lakeside Park in McPherson, where a $5 ticket let attendees sample each chili and vote for their favorite. The cook-off featured several varieties, including roast beef chili, vegan apple chili and white chicken chili. Free homemade lemonade was also available. “It’s a way for Bobby Robertson, who’s running for House District 73, to kind of get her name out there,” organizer Jess Stichter said. Gisell Robertson, Bobby Robertson’s wife, said the event provided community members with a casual setting to speak with the candidate and learn more about the campaign. House District 73 covers McPherson, Lindsborg and Marquette. Gisell said she was also interested in the friendly competition and seeing community members come together. “One, I want to know who makes the best chili and the camaraderie and everyone coming together,” Gisell said. “The other one is that we, the McPherson County Democrats, get Bobby some exposure and have this setting for people to come and talk to the candidate.” Organizers described the cook-off as a family-friendly event that encouraged people to gather around a shared activity. “This is new for us. I like the idea that people are going to come together and we’ll have one common shared goal, which is one being together,” Gisell said. Stichter said organizers hoped the cook-off would introduce more voters to Bobby Robertson before Election Day. “We’re just hoping to get her name out there as much as possible before November 3rd,” Stichter said. Stephen Root made the winning chili, and he and his wife, Diann Richards-Root, were named the competition’s winners. According to the party, proceeds from the event went to the McPherson County Democrats and Bobby Robertson’s campaign. The cook-off offered attendees more than a chance to pick their favorite chili — it provided a relaxed setting to meet a local candidate, spend time with neighbors and enjoy the fall weather. “We created a fun event on a pretty lovely day,” Stichter said. --- AD: --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) ---