Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
Primary Election Filings
Noon on June 1 was the deadline for candidates to file for statewide offices. United States Sen. Jerry Moran will have one primary opponent, Joan Farr of Derby, and six Democrats running in the August primary to oppose him in November. The high-profile statewide races are for Governor and Attorney General. Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Independence, with running mate Katie Sawyer, McPherson, are seeking to oppose Democratic Governor Laura Kelly and Lt. Governor David Toland’s re-election bid. Both slates have opposition in their respective primary elections.
The vacated Attorney General’s Office has generated a three-way Republican primary election between Kris Kobach, Tony Mattivi, and Senator Kelli Warren. Chris Mann is the only Democrat on the primary ballot for Attorney General. Democratic State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will be opposed by either Republican Rep. Steven Johnson or Sen. Caryn Tyson. In addition to these statewide races, Senate District 38 in southwest Kansas will have an election after Sen. Ron Ryckman Sr. was selected as the successor to the late Sen. Bud Estes. He will be opposed by Democrat Jose Lara of Liberal.
After the extended June 10 filing deadline for the Legislature and several last minute withdraws, we are looking at 24 incumbents who are not seeking reelection. The 2023 Kansas House of Representatives will have new leadership with the retirement of three term House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. and Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch.
After the passage of the noon Friday deadline, there are 55 candidates, 36 Republicans and 19 Democrats, without opposition in the August primary and the General Election. These individuals will be serving in the 2023 Legislature unless one is defeated by a candidate running a successful write-in campaign or third-party candidate winning in the General Election.
August 1 is the deadline for Libertarian and Independent candidates to file for the General Election. Libertarians have an election process for their candidates. Independent candidates file by petition. Republican State Sen. Dennis Pyle has already announced that he is changing parties to become an independent and filing by petition to run for Governor as an independent.
Loss of Institutional Memory
There will be leadership changes in the 2023 Kansas House of Representatives beyond the retirement of House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. and Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch. The impact of the retirements will also be felt at the committee level next session with nine committee chairs, four vice-chairs, three ranking minority members, and a former House Minority Leader not seeking re-election. Depending on your perspective, this may reflect a loss of institutional knowledge which can be vital to the process. The announced retirements are:
- Rep. Dave Baker, R-Council Grove
- Rep. Jesse Burris, R-Mulvane
- Rep. Tom Burroughs, D-Kansas City, former House Minority Leader
- Rep. Stephanie Byers, D-Wichita
- Rep. Lonnie Clark, R-Junction City, Chair, Veterans and Military
- Rep. Blaine Finch, R-Ottawa, Chair, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
- Rep. David French, R-Lansing
- Rep. Gail Finney, D-Wichita
- Rep. Jim Gartner, D-Topeka, Ranking Minority Member, Taxation Committee
- Rep. Broderick Henderson, D-Kansas City
- Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, Chair, Water Committee
- Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center, Chair, Education Committee
- Rep. Steven Johnson, R-Assaria, Chair, Insurance and Pensions
- Rep. Jim Kelly, R-Independence, Chair, Financial Institutions and Rural Development
- Rep. Annie Kuether, D-Topeka, Ranking Minority, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
- Rep. Marty Long, R-Ulysses, Vice Chair, Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
- Rep. Megan Lynn, R-Olathe, Vice Chair, Social Services Budget
- Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, D-Kansas City, Ranking Minority Member of Appropriations and Legislative budget Committee
- Rep. Boyd Orr, R-Fowler, Vice Chair, Water Committee
- Rep. Richard Proehl, R-Parsons, Chair, Transportation Committee
- House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., R-Olathe, Chair of Legislative Coordinating Council
- Rep. Kent Thompson, R-La Harpe, Chair of Local Government
- Rep. John Toplikar, R-Olathe, Vice-Chair Legislative Post Audit
- Rep. Ponka-We Victors, D-Wichita
May Revenue Positive
The Kansas Department of Revenue announced that the May Kansas revenue numbers were above the monthly estimate by $242 million. For the current fiscal year ending June 30, revenue is more than $419 million above the projections.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and governmental relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session, it focuses on issues involving Healthcare, Insurance, public finance, Taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, Energy, Real Estate & Construction, environmental, Agribusiness, employment, and workers compensation. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group leader, James P. Rankin at 785.233.3600 or jrankin@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:
James (Jim) P. Rankin
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law Team Leader
785.806.3600
jrankin@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Jim’s practice focuses on employee benefits law relating to public, private, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations. A large part of his work involves Insurance Regulatory and compliance issues in many industries, including Healthcare. Jim has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list. He is the firm's representative with State Law Resources, Inc., a national network of independent law firms selected for their expertise in administrative, regulatory, and governmental relations at the state and federal level.
Gary L. Robbins
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs Consultant
785.640.2651
garyrobbinsconsulting@gmail.com | View bio
Gary, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, provides legislative monitoring and lobbying services for Foulston’s governmental relations clients. He holds a bachelor of science degree in history and political science from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in labor economics from Wichita State University. Throughout his extensive career, Gary has served as CLE Director to the Kansas Bar Association and as Executive Director of the Kansas Optometric Association.
Eric L. Sexton, PhD
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553
esexton@foulston.com | View bio
Eric, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and governmental relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal Government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a masters in public administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.
C. Edward Watson, II
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law Partner
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local governmental bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional governmental affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.
