Governor Laura Kelly says she plans to run for re-election.
Kelly, a Democrat, defeated Republican Kris Kobach two years ago. Her decision to bring Commerce Secretary David Toland on as lieutenant governor after current Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers was appointed as State Treasurer raised some thoughts Kelly would not run for re-election, given Toland’s status as treasurer for Kelly’s 2018 election run.
Kelly is the first major candidate to announce intentions for the position. Former governor Jeff Colyer, who has been sharply critical of recent moves by the governor, and current Attorney General Derek Schmidt are considered leading candidates on the Republican side.
