(May 1, 2024) – This week was full of policy finalization but also many farewells as announcements were made about legislators leaving their current posts to run for other offices, or retiring from their current elected office. Those include the following:

• Sen. Carolyn McGinn (R-Sedgwick). House member Rep. Steven Owens (R-Hesston) has announced he will run for her seat.
• Sen. Dan Kerschen (R-Garden Plains). Sitting state Sen. Chase Blasi (R-Wichita) has announced he will run for the district seat.
• Sen. Rob Olson (R-Olathe). Current Rep. Adam Thomas (R-Olathe) and Democrat challenger Stacey Knowell have already filed for the seat.
• Sen. Kristen O'Shea (R-Topeka). Current Rep. Kenny Titus (R-Manhattan) has said he will seek to fill that seat.
• Sen. John Doll (R-Garden City). Current Rep. Bill Clifford (R-Garden City) has filed for the seat.
• Sen. Mark Steffan (R-Hutchinson). Current Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Sylvia) has filed for the seat.
• Rep. Tory Blew (R-Great Bend) has filed to run for the Senate seat currently held by Alicia Straub (R-Ellinwood).
• Rep. Michael Houser (R-Columbus) will be retiring.
• Rep. Trevor Jacobs (R-Fort Scott). Three Republicans have filed for the seat including Kaety Bowers, Rick James and Joshua Jones.
• Rep. Eric Smith (R-Burlington)
• Rep. John Eplee (R-Atchison) has filed for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dennis Pyle (R-Hiawatha)
• Rep. Vic Miller (D-Topeka) has announced he will run for an open seat in the state Senate

Candidates for state House and Senate have until June 3 to file with the Secretary of State to run for office.