Kansas insurance commissioner says he’s running for governor

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer said Monday that he’s running for governor.

Selzer had made another move toward running for the governor’s mansion last week by filing a treasurer appointment for a gubernatorial campaign.

But in a phone interview with the Star Monday morning, Selzer wasn’t coy about his intentions.

“It means we’re running,” the Leawood Republican said.

The 64-year-old Republican has served as insurance commissioner since 2015.

“I’m a CPA,” Selzer said. “I’ll bring a thoughtful approach to looking for more efficiency in state government and just look forward to the forthcoming campaign.”

Selzer told The Star earlier this summer he was considering the race.

He joins a Republican field of candidates that includes Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, former nominee Jim Barnett and Wichita businessman Wink Hartman, among others.

“It’ll be a significant field,” Selzer said. “There may be eight or 10, or more, by the time everybody’s in but I’m looking forward to it.”

This story was originally published August 7, 2017 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Kansas insurance commissioner says he’s running for governor."