Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts says he will not run for re-election in 2020, opening the door to a parade of candidates announcing a run or considering jumping into the race to replace him. Multiple Republicans are eyeing the seat, and it could be the first time Democrats have a competitive U.S. Senate primary since the 1990s.
Here?s the rundown of who?s running so far:
REPUBLICANS
Kris Kobach
Nationally, Kobach is known as a hardliner against illegal immigration. But in Kansas, he?s coming off a 2018 loss for the governor?s office. When he was secretary of state from 2011 to 2019, he pushed for strict voter registration changes, arguing they would help prevent voter fraud. Critics said the rules made it too difficult for eligible voters to register and the requirements were blocked by a federal court. Kobach is a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, and he says he?ll push Trump?s policies and fight what he calls the establishment in Washington. He?s currently working with a private organization attempting to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.
Jake LaTurner
LaTurner was a state senator from southeast Kansas before then-Gov. Sam Brownback picked him in 2017 to become treasurer. He?s since won a full term in the office and touts conservative credentials. LaTurner was the first high-profile candidate for formally jump into the U.S. Senate race, giving him an early start on fundraising. He says he?d push for term limits and for building a wall on the southern border.
Dave Lindstrom
