Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is said to be meeting with strategists to discuss a possible run for the vacant Kansas Senate seat in 2020. Pompeo is a former Kansas congressman and ex-CIA director.
Those close to the 55-year-old Pompeo say he’s in no rush to make a final decision. While other Kansas Republicans have expressed interest in the seat, the secretary of state would likely clear the field should he decide to launch a campaign.
A Pompeo departure would be a blow to the Trump administration, which has suffered an array of high-profile departures in recent months.
Kris Kobach, the former Kansas secretary of state and a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, confirmed Friday that he is also considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2020 after losing the Kansas governor’s race. Kobach is an advocate of tough immigration laws.
Kobach said he does not have a timetable for making his decision.
Kobach and Pompeo join a crowded field of Republicans who are either actively looking at the race or being touted as possible candidates. The list also includes include U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and former Gov. Jeff Colyer. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt also is considering it along with Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle and Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union.
The only announced Republican contender to succeed Roberts is State Treasurer Jake LaTurner.
Barry Grissom, a former U.S. attorney for Kansas, is the only Democrat who has said he was looking at the race.
