Former Uber, Google executive announces run for Kris Kobach’s job

A political newcomer who has been heavily involved with two of America’s most well-known companies is jumping into a 2018 election race.

Brian McClendon, a Lawrence Democrat, announced Monday morning that he is running to become Kansas secretary of state.

McClendon has worked as a vice president with Google and Uber, and he was the co-founder of the start-up that became Google Earth, according to a statement he released Monday.

“From securing elections to protecting our private information, the role of Secretary of State has evolved to require an understanding of technical concerns,” McClendon said in the statement. “I believe my executive experience, combined with my technical background, makes me a qualified candidate.”

The 53-year-old said he is a Kansas native who graduated from the University of Kansas in 1986.

He joins a field of candidates seeking to replace Kris Kobach, a Republican who is running for the governor’s office in 2018. On the Democratic side, McClendon will run against Sen. Marci Francisco, a Lawrence Democrat who earlier announced her campaign.

Prominent candidates on the Republican side include Rep. Scott Schwab, an Olathe Republican; Sedgwick County clerk and Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kelly Arnold; and Rep. Keith Esau, an Olathe Republican.

This story was originally published January 22, 2018 at 9:58 AM with the headline "Former Uber, Google executive announces run for Kris Kobach’s job."