Democratic precinct leaders have picked Ford Carr of Wichita to finish out the term of the late state Rep. Gail Finney.
Carr, who was already running unopposed for Finney’s House District 84 seat, is an aeronautical engineer who has spent most of his career in the aviation industry.
The chief of staff for House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer on Tuesday confirmed Carr’s election to the position. He was picked Friday.
Carr also has a nonprofit dedicated to promoting economic and racial equality.
He wants to focus his work in the Legislature on prison reform and improving the state’s foster care system.
Finney passed away Aug. 20 after suffering from health issues in recent years that led to her getting a kidney transplant.
Carr is a graduate of Wichita East High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business quality management and a master’s in leadership from Southwestern College.
He’s worked in the aircraft industry since 1996.
“It’s an even greater honor than what I had originally anticipated or expected,” Carr said in a brief interview.
Carr said he came to better understand Finney’s importance to the community at her recent funeral service.
“Unfortunately, Gail’s untimely passing allowed me to see how well respected she was in the legislative community,” Carr said.
“I learned things at that point that I didn’t know that I wished I had the opportunity to speak to her about,” he said.
“It was humbling to say the least,” he said. “I can assure you that I intend to do her legacy proud.”
Carr said he knew Finney more as a friend than as a legislator and he’s come to appreciate her work representing House District 84 in Topeka.
He said he will bring a similar energy to the Kansas House.
“Gail and I had so much in common,” he said. “We were so much the same person, just doing things at different levels.”
