(Will be updated as warranted)
Johnson County businessman Philip Sarnecki on Monday morning named Wichita businesswoman and Republican rival for governor Joy Eakins as his running mate in the governor’s race.
“Joy Eakins is a strong, conservative fighter who’s ready to take down the career politicians in Topeka,” Sarnecki said in a statement.
“For the last 12 months, Joy has run a remarkable gubernatorial campaign.
“Now, she’s joining our team, bringing significant resources, volunteers, and voters to our campaign. Together, we are going to win big! The days of career politicians are coming to an end in Kansas,” he said.
Eakins is founder and president of Cornerstone Data Inc.
Eakins served on the Wichita school board from 2013 to 2018 and was chair of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
In 2015, her business won the Wichita chamber’s Small Business of the Year title.
Eakins has a master’s in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado, a master’s of theological studies from Gateway Seminary and a bachelor’s in mathematics with a minor in computer science from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Eakins has previously described herself as being pro-life, supportive of guns rights, and supportive of school choice, “educational freedom” and “medical freedom,” saying that families have the right to make medical decisions for themselves and their children.
“I am honored to join Philip Sarnecki as his running mate,” Eakins said in a statement.
“Kansans are ready for leaders who have built businesses, created jobs, and solved problems – not spent their careers climbing the political ladder,” she said.
“Together, we will fight for a future where Kansas is once again the best place to live the American Dream.”
