A Republican primary is emerging in House District 28 with an Overland Park veterinarian announcing plans to run for the Kansas Legislature.
Fred Lehman announced he’s running for the Kansas House, which sets up a primary against Leawood project manager Carl Turner.
The seat has been held by Republican Kellie Warren, who is now running for the state Senate. The winner would likely face Democrat Sally Jercha in the general election.
Lehman recently completed a one-year fellowship with Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska where he worked on issues related to agriculture, the environment, rural development, rural broadband and health care.
He also worked as a senior associate director of business development and licensing for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, which offers vaccines and pharmaceuticals for animal health industries in the swine, cattle, horse, and pet markets.
He also worked as a project manager in new business development for Bayer Animal Heath and director of cattle veterinary operations for Zoetis Inc., which produces medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock.
Lehman is a member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, where he served in several leadership roles including chair of administrative committee, teacher, and congregational care minister.
He has a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Oklahoma State University and a master’s in agribusiness management from Mississippi State University.
The district, which covers parts of Leawood and Overland Park, has leaned Republican over the years.
It was carried by President Donald Trump with 52% of the vote in 2016, former Gov. Sam Brownback with 58% of the vote in 2014 and Mitt Romney with 67% of the vote in 2012.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly carried the district last year, but with just about 50% the vote.
Former Secretary of State Kris Kobach received about 43% of the vote in the district last year.
