Wyandotte County official drops out of Kansas House race. What happened?
A Wyandotte County commissioner who last month announced he was running for higher office has taken his hat out of the ring.
Christian Ramirez, who represents the county’s Third District in southeast Kansas City, Kansas, said he will no longer run for a seat on the Kansas Legislature due to health concerns.
He announced in a video statement, posted Monday morning to social media, that he would be pulling out of the race in order to reduce stress that has had medical consequences. During a recent checkup, Ramirez’s doctor informed him that his psoriatic arthritis — which he was diagnosed with two years ago — has progressed and is now affecting Ramirez’s spine mobility, he said.
Ramirez’s doctor advised that he slow down and dial back on major stressors, such as a state political campaign, for the sake of his health.
“Serving our community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Ramirez said. “And, I also know that I have to prioritize my health and well being.” It’s important to listen to one’s body and take care of themselves before it’s too late, he added.
With all seats in the Kansas House of Representatives up for grabs, Ramirez filed to run for the state’s 31st District seat. At the time he filed, he said he planned to finish his remaining year on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners while serving in Topeka if elected.
The KCK native was among a pool of five candidates, including Democrats Paul Davidson, Emily Hane and Eli Woody and Republican Dennis Grindel, who wanted to replace outgoing Representative Louis Ruiz in the statehouse.
Ramirez is in his second term on the Board of Commissioners. His time in office has included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Wyandotte’s 2025 freeze on property tax revenues and plans to bring the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines.
Although he’s pulling out of the statehouse race, Ramirez plans to finish out his remaining year serving KCK at the local level.
He encouraged all residents to do their research into the candidates participating in the election.
