A top adviser to Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner is jumping in the race for the 2nd Congressional District as candidates jockey for the open seat.
Jeff Kahrs, district director and senior adviser to LaTurner, said he is running for the seat that will come open with LaTurner’s decision not to seek reelection this year.
“I want my children to inherit the same free and prosperous country that my parents left to our generation, but we have work to do to make that a reality,” Kahrs said.
“Our nation is in peril,” he said in a statement.
“We have an open border, staggering debt, runaway inflation and a culture that celebrates the mutilation and abortion of children.
“We need a congressman who will love their neighbors enough to take the tough votes to
protect the future of Kansas and our nation,” Kahrs said.
Kahrs’ announcement came a couple hours after former Kansas Livestock Association President Shawn Tiffany said he was running for Congress.
Also Thursday, Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft announced he would not run for the seat.
Former Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt is expected to announce his plans before the end of the week.
Many expect Schmidt will join the race after unsuccessfully running for governor against Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly two years ago.
Kahrs served in former President Donald Trump’s administration as the director of Region 7 for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Kansas City, Missouri.
He also served as the deputy secretary and chief of staff for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in former Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration.
Kahrs also spent 16 years as a congressional staff member to former Republican Congressman Todd Tiahrt as legislative director and chief of staff.
Kahrs’ brother, Mark, is the state’s National Republican committeeman.
“I will fight to stop the flood of illegal aliens, drugs, and sex trafficking that’s coming across our southern border. I will take the tough votes to rein in federal spending, reduce the deficit and slow inflation,” he said.
“I will be a powerful voice to restore our culture from one that aborts and mutilates children to one that honors the Lord and supports families.”
