Former Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Day on Friday kicked off her campaign for secretary of state, building a campaign on protecting the fairness of Kansas elections as well as expanding voter education and voter participation.
“I’m running for secretary of state because Kansans deserve safe, secure, and accessible elections, free from disinformation and fearmongering,” Day said in a statement.
“Voting is not a partisan political issue. It’s a constitutional right and a civic duty that must be protected for every eligible citizen,” Day said.
Day is a 25-year resident of Overland Park.
She has served as an election worker in Johnson County since 2018 and as vice president of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County.
Day was elected by Democrat Party precinct leaders in 2020 to replace former state Rep. Dave Benson in House District 48 in central Overland Park.
She later held onto the seat that year when she defeated Republican challenger Terry Frederick by 62 votes.
During her time in the Legislature, she sat on the tax, financial institutions and corrections
committees.
She left the Legislature in 2021 after she and her husband built a new home in northeast Overland Park.
She touted her 16 years of experience in corporate administration and a decade managing her own business, saying she brings both private-sector expertise and public-service perspective to the race.
“Kansas deserves leadership that protects democracy and serves everyone, not just a select few,” Day said.
“As secretary of state, I’ll ensure our elections are secure and efficient, our businesses can
thrive, and every Kansan can have confidence that their government works for them.”
Day will have a primary against Democrat Sam Lane of Shawnee, who works in inspection and materials testing in construction.
On the Republican side, state Rep. Pat Proctor of Leavenworth announced his candidacy for secretary of state in April. He is chair of the House elections committee.
Republican state Rep. Ken Rahjes of Agra also is campaigning for secretary of state and will face Proctor in the Republican primary.
