Republican state Rep. Brenda Landwehr is bringing her legislative career to an end, announcing Monday that she will not seek another term in the Kansas House.
Landwehr, chair of the House health committee, had already filed to seek a fifth consecutive term representing the 105th House District but withdrew on Monday.
The Wichita Republican already served in the House from 1995 to 2013 before she lost to Democrat Nile Dillmore in 2012. She returned to the House in 2017.
“Family has always been a priority for me, and it is time for me to spend more time with
my family,” Landwehr said in a statement.
“I have a sister dealing with cancer and one recovering from a stroke plus eight
grandchildren growing up fast,” she said.
“It has been a privilege and honor to have spent the past eight years serving the people of the 105 th District and improving mental health services in Kansas,” she said.
Meanwhile, as Landwehr withdrew, Jill Ward of Wichita filed to run in her place.
Ward said she decided to run after working for passage of a new law that increased the penalties for leaving the scene of a deadly collision.
The bill stemmed in part from the death of her son, Levi – a television storm tracker – who was killed Easter weekend in 2022 in a hit-and-run crash.
“Drafting, introducing and shepherding the bill through to being signed by the governor taught me a lot about the process and the people that make policy affecting Kansas families and businesses,” Ward said in a statement.
“It ignited a passion in me to make a difference for current and future Kansans. Kansas is a wonderful place, but our best days are ahead of us,” she said.
Ward said her priorities include addressing taxes and putting limits on government spending and regulations.
“I want a tax and regulatory environment where businesses grow, create jobs and the Kansas economy thrives,” Ward said.
“If we can do that and control spending, Kansas firms and families will be much better off.”
David Hickman also filed as Republican but has not responded to a request for biographical information.
Landwehr is supporting Ward.
“She has the ability and talent to do a great job taking the issues and concerns of the people to Topeka,” Landwehr said.
Former Haysville Schools Superintendent John Burke has filed to run as a Democrat in House District 105.
During a nearly 40-year career in public education, Burke has served as superintendent in the Marion, Valley Falls and Neodesha school districts.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly carried this district with about 52% of the vote, while Republican Derek Schmidt received about 45% of the vote here.
About 39% of the voters in the district are Republicans, about 25% are Democrats, and about 34% are unaffiliated voters.
