Republican state Sen. Kristen O’Shea of Topeka said an emotional goodbye to the Kansas Senate on Friday when she announced she would not seek a second term in the statehouse.
Due with her second child in a couple days, O’Shea told senators she would not seek reelection to the Senate District 18 seat, sometimes breaking down in tears as she explained the importance of her work in the Senate and how she balanced it with motherhood.
Hours later, Republican state Rep. Kenny Titus of Manhattan announced he would run for the seat, which represents parts of Pottawatomie, Shawnee and Jefferson counties.
“This experience has been filled with milestones for me, both personally and professionally,” O’Shea said.
“At 27, I was the youngest woman to be elected to the Kansas Senate,” O’Shea said.
“I’m grateful to my constituents for believing me and trusting me with that honor,” O’Shea said as she tried to fight back the emotion that marked her speech.
“It is my hope that the path has now been forged for more young women and young moms to seek a seat at the table,” she said.
“We cannot lose sight of what truly makes the democratic process work, that is nonpolitical people serving in the political realm,” she said.
“While it is the right thing for me to say goodbye to elected office, I’m not saying goodbye to service,” she said.
“Service has been an important part of my life and will continue to be through my business, through motherhood and through my community involvement.”
At one point, Sen. Molly Baumgardner of Louisburg placed her arms around O’Shea and gave her tissues during her speech.
When she concluded, O’Shea received hugs from Sens. Kellie Warren of Leawood and Beverly Gossage of Eudora.
“It’s been an honor to have you in the Senate,” Senate President Ty Masterson said.
Later in the day, Titus, a freshman House member, announced he would run to replace O’Shea in the Senate.
“My priorities will continue to be focused on helping everyday Kansans succeed,” Titus said in a statement issued late Friday afternoon.
“This means letting Kansans keep more of their hard-earned money, creating an environment free of government over-regulation, and promoting the growth and success of Kansas families.”
Titus, former chief counsel to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, sits on the House Water, Corrections, and Judiciary committees.
Last year, he played a role in the development and passage of two water bills that provide long-term funding for the state water plan and increase groundwater conservation in the rapidly declining Ogallala Aquifer.
Former Attorney General Derek Schmidt carried this district as a Republican with about 51% of the vote during the 2022 governor’s race.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly received 45% of the vote in this district, while conservative independent candidate Dennis Pyle received about 3% of the vote.
About 52% of the voters in District 18 are Republicans and about 20% are Democrats. About 26% of the voters here are unaffiliated.
