Hutchinson anesthesiologist Mark Steffen is mounting a primary challenge against Republican state Sen. Ed Berger.
“President Trump has inspired a lot of individuals, including myself, to quit complaining and get involved,” said Steffen, who portrayed himself as a “conservative outsider” in a statement.
“The chaos brought on by COVID-19 is going to require a particular skill set to get to the other side,” he said.
“As a doctor, I understand the concerns which exist regarding COVID-19 however, I believe it is imperative that we get our economy going and safely get people back to work.”
Berger is completing his first term in the Kansas Senate after upsetting former Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce in 2016 with 57% of the vote. He won the 2016 general election with 82% of the vote.
Berger represents Senate District 34, which covers Reno County and the northern half of Kingman County.
Former Secretary of State Kris Kobach carried the district by 7 percentage points in the 2018 governor’s race.
The president won the district with 65% of the vote in 2016.
Former Gov. Sam Brownback won the district in 2014 as did Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.
Steffen farms and ranches 3,500 acres in Kingman, Reno, and Rice counties.
He also owns and manages several oil and gas investment businesses including Steffen Resource Development, a licensed oil and gas operating company.
