Potential Candidates Contemplate Run for Kansas Governor

​In a prelude to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R) likely entering the open 2018 gubernatorial race, he made an announcement yesterday saying he won’t run for Congress.  Earlier, Topeka US Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R) announced her retirement, meaning the 2nd Congressional District seat will also be open next year.  Mr. Kobach is not term-limited in his current position, so he could seek re-election, but it is more likely he will run for the state’s top post.  Incumbent Governor Sam Brownback (R) is ineligible to seek a third term.
 
For the Kansas Democrats, former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer just publicly declared that he will run for Governor.  Though rated as heavy underdogs to win the position, the Democrats are likely to field a contested primary.  In addition to Mr. Brewer becoming a candidate, 2014 gubernatorial nominee Paul Davis, the former state House Minority Leader, is also a potential contender.  Independent Greg Orman, who became the de facto Democratic opponent to veteran Sen. Pat Roberts (R) in the previous election, is also deciding about entering the Governor’s race.