May 29, 2020

Kobach makes it official, files to run for U.S. Senate

Posted May 29, 2020 9:00 AM
Kris Kobach signing the paperwork necessary to run for the open U.S. Senate seat. -Photo Kobach for Senate campaign
Kris Kobach signing the paperwork necessary to run for the open U.S. Senate seat. -Photo Kobach for Senate campaign

TOPEKA —Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach filed to run for the U.S. Senate on Thursday.

In a statement from his campaign Kobach said, "It’s more important than ever that we send a conservative champion to DC. The Left is using the coronavirus to push a Leftist agenda to reshape America, and we need a Senator who will defend our Constitution and our conservative principles."

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle surprised many on Thursday when she dropped out of the race and announced she would not file to run for the open U.S. Senate seat.

Wagle said that “personal and political trials” in the last year and her concern that a divisive Republican primary could give the seat to a Democrat prompted her decision not to run. 

Kobach said "Wagle has been a real hero to the pro-life movement, and she has been a true leader for opening up Kansas. Had she stayed in the U.S. Senate race and won, she would have made a great Senator."

Wagle's announcement leaves Kobach and U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall as the main GOP rivals for the nomination.