Sedgwick County Clerk Kelly Arnold weighing run for secretary of state
Kelly Arnold, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party and the Sedgwick County clerk, said Thursday that he is weighing a run for secretary of state.
Arnold stopped short of saying he will run but announced an exploratory committee.
His announcement came hours after Kris Kobach said he will run for governor instead of seeking re-election to the secretary of state’s office in November 2018.
“In considering how I can make the greatest contribution to our state, I am exploring a run for Kansas Secretary of State,” Arnold said in a statement. “As Sedgwick County Clerk, I have strong experience in providing quality, efficient service to Kansans and in supporting elections officials across the state. I look forward to listening to my fellow Kansans as I consider this office.”
Arnold has been Sedgwick County clerk since 2009.
In February, Arnold won a third term as chairman of the state Republican Party. At the time, party director Clay Barker said it was unusual, but not unprecedented, for a person to serve three terms as party chairman.
Arnold is vice chairman of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board and chairman of the board of directors at Hillsboro State Bank.
Jonathan Shorman: 785-296-3006, @jonshorman
This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Sedgwick County Clerk Kelly Arnold weighing run for secretary of state."