(Updated to include comment from McGinn)
Republican state Rep. Stephen Owens announced Saturday morning that he’s running for the state Senate against Republican incumbent Carolyn McGinn of Sedgwick.
“In 2018, I answered the call to service and took on an incumbent who was not representing the values of the 74th House District,” Owens said in an announcement.
“Since winning that primary as a conservative outsider, I have represented the district to the best of my ability, relentlessly giving it my all and putting my community first,” the Hesston lawmaker said.
Owens, chair of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, was elected in 2018 when he defeated Republican incumbent Don Schroeder with about 55% of the vote.
He takes on McGinn, who is now in her fifth term in the Kansas Senate and has turned back primary challengers before.
In 2012, McGinn was among the Republicans targeted by former Gov. Sam Brownback in an effort to purge moderates from the Senate.
She defeated Wichita businessman Gary Mason with 55% of the vote in that election.
Four years later, McGinn defeated Republican Renee Erickson – now a state senator – in the Republican primary with about 51% of the vote.
Owens is taking a similar approach in his campaign against McGinn, billing her with Democratic tendencies.
“After nearly 20 years of being served by a senator who votes frequently with Democrats, I
believe it is time for conservative leadership in the 31st Senate district,” Owens said.
“I look forward to making my case to voters next spring.”
At the end of 2022, McGinn had about $105,500 in cash on hand. She was fourth in the Senate in the amount of cash in the bank at the end of last year.
During her term, McGinn has chaired the budget-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee. She now chairs the Senate local government committee.
She has already indicated that she plans to run for reelection.
McGinn said the voters of the district have consistently supported her over the years.
“I have helped set priorities and policies for our state in good times and in bad,” McGinn said in a statement.
“As we face uncertain economic times ahead, a steady hand with a proven record is key for keeping things on track,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing the conversation with the folks in district 31 about the priorities they have for our community and how I can help support them through policy at the state level.”
The makeup of the 31st District is 49% Republican, 22% Democratic and about 27% unaffiliated.
The district covers parts of Wichita, Park City, Valley Center and Wichita.
Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt carried Senate District 31 in last year’s race for governor with about 52% of the vote.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly received 45% of the vote in the Senate district.
The Value Them Both abortion amendment lost in this district last year, only capturing about 47% of the vote.
