A former deputy who now teaches law enforcement skills at Allen Community College is challenging Sheriff Bryan Murphy for his job.
Anthony Maness and Murphy, both Republicans, have filed for the sheriff’s race, setting up an Aug. 6 primary faceoff.
The general election is Nov. 5. The filing deadline for candidates is at noon Monday, June 3.
Maness grew up in Iola and began his law enforcement experience at age 18 as a volunteer with the Iola Police Department’s reserve program. He would work as a dispatcher befor joining the police department, then joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Department in 2011 and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in 2020. This fall, he began working as Criminal Justice Studies program coordinator at Allen.
Murphy has served as sheriff since January 2013. His law enforcement career started in Wyandotte County in 1992. He served as undersheriff with former sheriffs Ron Moore and Tom Williams, and also worked for the Iola and Humboldt police departments. He served 14 years with the Army, four years on active duty and 10 in the reserves.
Murphy fended off a challenge in the 2016 primary from Jared Froggatte and in the general election against Iola police officer Michael Aronson. He successfully faced off against County Commissioner Jerry Daniels in the 2020 primary and was unopposed in the general election.
WHILE THE November election is likely to get plenty of attention for its presidential and Congressional races, it’s also time to pick state and local leaders.
County commissioner David Lee, a Republican, also has filed to keep his seat. Lee’s 2nd District term is up for election this year. The 3rd District, currently served by Bruce Symes, also is up for election.
Other county offices up for election this year include clerk, treasurer, register of deeds and attorney. Voters also will select township trustees and treasurers. Each party will elect a precinct committeeman and committeewoman.
Voters also will select representatives for the Kansas House of Representatives 9th district, currently served by Fred Gardner, R-Garnett, and for the Kansas Senate 12th district, currently served by Caryn Tyson, R-Parker.
