One election down. Another one on the way.
Republican state Sen. Chase Blasi is running for Senate majority leader against incumbent Larry Alley when leadership elections are held in December.
Blasi, who served as a top aide to former Senate President Susan Wagle and current Senate President Ty Masterson, was just elected to a full four-year term in the Senate on Tuesday night.
Two years ago, precinct committee leaders picked Blasi to replace Gene Suellentrop in the Kansas Senate.
Blasi won a full term in the Senate with 71% of the vote over two other challengers on Tuesday night.
Blasi sent letters to members of the new Republican caucus asking for their support as he challenges Alley for the leadership role.
A spokesperson for Alley said a statement would be coming soon.
“After prayerful consideration and receiving encouragement from our colleagues, I am reaching out to express my interest and enthusiasm to serve as your next majority leader,” Blasi wrote in his letter.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside you, and I have witnessed the incredible talent and dedication that you bring to our state,” he wrote.
“As we look ahead and plan for the future, I believe that together we can achieve remarkable things for Kansas,” he wrote.
“My vision as your majority leader is to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and skills.
“I am committed to promoting collaboration, open communication, and mutual support within our caucus,” he wrote.
“Together, we can navigate challenges, celebrate our successes, and drive our state forward,” he wrote.
A native of Colwich and now a resident of Wichita, Blasi joined the Senate president’s office in June 2017.
He joined then-Senate President Wagle’s office as her legislative director.
Blasi became her chief of staff in October 2019.
He continued on in that office when Masterson succeeded Wagle in January 2021. He worked as chief of operations for Masterson.
Before joining the Senate president’s office, Blasi worked for the Department of Revenue as its legislative liaison. He is a graduate of Newman University.
He now works for Evergy in community relations.
Three years ago, Republican senators elected Alley as majority leader to replace Suellentrop, who was forced to leave the post after he was charged with drunk driving.
Alley, a conservative from Winfield, defeated outgoing Sen. Jeff Longbine of Emporia 18-11 in the second round to become majority leader.
