BY: SHERMAN SMITH
Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Cole Epley announced Wednesday he was suspending his congressional campaign and endorsed Chris Carmichael for the Democratic nomination in the Wichita-area 4th District.
Epley, 28, had hoped to push the party to the left by running as a “proud progressive” in a district where more moderate Democrats have repeatedly lost by wide margins to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes.
Epley, a former social worker, will remain on the Aug. 4 primary ballot alongside Carmichael, an aerospace executive; Katy Tyndell, an attorney who works in the oil and gas industry; and Ryan Gilbert, a family law business manager.
Carmichael said he was honored to have Epley’s support.
“I respect the campaign he ran and the people he inspired to get involved,” Carmichael said. “I’m grateful for his support, and I welcome everyone who wants to help us defeat Ron Estes and bring honest, accountable leadership to Congress.”
Sarah Lopez, campaign manager for Tyndell, touted the endorsements of Tyndell by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and former Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers.
“I think it’s great that Chris has found someone to support him, but Katy is focused on earning the trust and support of community leaders and voters who have fought the hard fights and agree with her vision for a better Kansas,” Lopez said.