A conservative podcaster, who is promising to make God first in Kansas, has become the first official candidate to file to run for governor along with a running mate.
Doug Billings, who has been described as “one of the most recognized and trusted voices of MAGA conservatism in America,” officially filed with the secretary of state’s office.
He also listed April McCoy as his running mate for lieutenant governor. McCoy unsuccessfully ran for chair of the Republican Party earlier this year.
The Sunflower State Journal reported Billings’ campaign announcement on his podcast last month.
Calling himself a “MAGA conservative Republican,” Billings promised to run as a gubernatorial candidate who stands for “faith” and “freedom.”
He called for prayer in schools, promised to eliminate “pornographic material” he said was in schools and would end the “LGBT kook movement” in Kansas.
He said only an American flag would be flown in schools and said he would have used the National Guard to keep Satanists from gathering at the Capitol.
He suggested the idea of creating a voluntary militia – men from the age of 21 to 45 – to help the National Guard keep the peace in Kansas.
“We’re going to make God first in Kansas, ladies and gentleman,” Billings said during a roughly nine-minute video posted last month.
“I’m going to restore divine providence in the Founding Fathers’ original intent,” he said.
“Prayer in schools. Defending our Judeo-Christian heritage and values, ensuring that state policies reflect our spiritual foundation and the traditional family values that built Kansas and America,” he said.
Billings ran for vice chair of the Kansas Republican Party along with McCoy, who ran for party chair against Herbert.
McCoy has described herself as the vice president of Kansas Patriots, which she said has “helped provide a platform for many God-loving Republicans to reach voters and move the needle to Make American Great Again.
“Jesus is my Savior and my compass,” McCoy said in campaign material when she ran for GOP chair. “I am bold, adaptable, authentic and loyal.”
Billings would be facing a field that now includes Secretary of State Scott Schwab, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and Republican businesswoman Stacy Rogers. They each have appointed treasurers but have not officially filed.
There are a number of Republican candidates who have been mentioned as possible candidates for governor.
They include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Wichita businesswoman Joy Eakins and former Kansas City Royals General Manager Dayton Moore.
In other related news, Republican state Rep. Pat Proctor has officially filed for secretary of state and Democratic state Rep. Cindy Neighbor has filed for reelection.
