Sara Weir is leaving her job as the chief executive and president of the National Down Syndrome Society, possibly pointing the way toward a run for the 3rd District Congressional seat next year.
The organization announced Weir’s departure on its website, saying she has “decided to step down this year to pursue opportunities to continue her advocacy and service to our community as well as others in Kansas.”
The announcement was accompanied by a letter from Weir that didn’t indicate her future plans, but hinted that her next step would be as an advocate of some sort.
“Once an advocate, always an advocate,” Weir wrote. “As I pursue this next phase in my career and life, I want this community to know that I will always be a champion for people with Down syndrome and their families.
“I will always fight for the dignity, respect and rights of people with disabilities in this country.”
One political operative said Weir’s decision to leave the job was a signal that she was running for Congress.
“She’s running. I’d be shocked if she wasn’t,” the source said,
Weir’s name has surfaced as a possible Republican candidate to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Sharice Davids in the 3rd District.
Weir is seen as a better candidate than former state Republican Party chairwoman Amanda Adkins, who also is interested in the race but who some think is too closely associated with former Gov. Sam Brownback.
Weir, meanwhile, is someone who comes from outside the political scene without the baggage of holding previous elected office. She comes from the nonprofit world where she might be viewed differently by voters.
A couple weeks ago, the Sunflower State Journal reported that Weir’s name was emerging as a candidate for Congress.
Earlier this month, Weir was making the rounds at the Kansas Republican Party Convention and was the keynote speaker at the Kansans for Life Valentine Banquet. In an interview just a couple weeks ago, Weir wouldn’t bite on a question about a potential run for Congress.
“Today I have my dream job as the president and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society,” she said at the Republican Convention.
“I’m from Kansas. I love this state. I love the families that I’ve had the opportunity to represent. That’s really my current focus right now.”
Mike Kuckelman, chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, was not aware that Weir had left her job at the National Down Syndrome Society.
“You’re telling me something I didn’t know,” he said. “Her name has circulated as someone who is doing due diligence on running. I don’t know of any official action taken to run for Congress. As far as I know, she’s looking at it, but I don’t know of anything more than that.”
The National Republican Campaign Committee recently made the Kansas 3rd Congressional District one of 55 districts it plans to target in 2020.
The Republicans believe that the Kansas 3rd District is held by a vulnerable candidate in a district that the GOP can recapture.
Meanwhile, Democrats have put Davids in their Frontline Program, a list of 44 incumbents who might be vulnerable to a challenge.
Davids has sent out fundraising emails, noting that the national Republicans are seeking to take the seat back.
“Sharice made history in November and in her first month in Congress, she has already proven to be a fierce advocate for voter protection, health care, and holding our leaders accountable,” said one email.
“The GOP knows Sharice will only continue to fight for our values, which is why they’re already spending big to flip her seat red.”
And in another email, Davids sought financial support, emphasizing that Republicans have made the 3rd District a target.
“We can’t let this seat flip back from blue to red. There’s just too much at stake,” Davids’ email said.
“We’re gearing up to run another hard-fought grassroots campaign, and we need you to be a part of it.”
