One of the KC area’s two Mike Thompsons is leaving the Kansas Legislature
Rep. Mike Thompson, a Bonner Springs Republican, will resign his seat in the Kansas Legislature at the end of the month.
Thompson — not to be confused with Shawnee Republican state Sen. Mike Thompson — announced his decision last week, citing his wife’s health challenges.
“‘Fields I have tended, other than my own’ is a quote from a sermon I heard years ago. All my working life, I’ve served other people. I’ve come to a place in my life where I need to tend to my own field. I must focus 100% of my attention on my family,” Thompson, 74, posted to Facebook.
He went on to explain that his wife, Debbie, is battling Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement.
“Since last House Session, her symptoms have significantly increased and continue to do so daily,” Thompson said. “She is no longer able to drive by herself. My care giving requirements and responsibilities are becoming more numerous.”
House District 33 includes Edwardsville, much of Bonner Springs, the southwest corner of Kansas City, Kansas, and the northernmost tip of Lake Quivira.
Before becoming a lawmaker, Thompson, a retired Navy SEAL, served as an Army chaplain, a hospital chaplain, a Lenexa police officer and a Bonner Springs City Council member. He also spent a stint working as a contract welder in Oklahoma oil fields.
Thompson was first elected to represent House District 33 in 2022, going on to win re-election last year by capturing close to 57% of the vote.
Last session, he chaired the House Committee on Veterans and Military and served on the Taxation and Financial Institutions and Pensions committees.
Thompson, who did not respond to a request for comment Monday, said on Facebook that the decision to resign his seat was not one he made lightly.
“As in the beginning of our campaign, God led in my decision to run for office. His Providential hand was evident throughout our campaign and my service as your Representative,” Thompson said. “I now believe God is leading me to a different mission and sacred obligation; to love and care for Debbie as she travels this difficult journey.”
His last day in office will be Aug. 31.
GOP precinct committee members will select Thompson’s replacement at a meeting later this month. Laura Sanchez, chair of the Wyandotte County Republican Party, said a date for that meeting has not yet been set.
She praised Thompson for his service and said last week’s GOP meeting was an emotional one.
“It was just really hard, but we understand he needs to take care of his family,” Sanchez said. “But he’s been a great representative and we hate to see him go.”
