James files for District 4 race for House of Representatives

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

TOPEKA – Rural La Cygne Republican and former Linn County Commissioner Rick James has filed to run for the Kansas House of Representatives from District 4. James made the announcement he had filed for office at the Linn County Commission meeting on Monday, March 4.

James’ filing brings the number of those seeking the seat to three. Fort Scott Republican Trevor Jacobs currently holds the post but has not yet filed for re-election. Jacobs is completing his second term in office this year.

The deadline to file for all state posts is June 1.

Other Republicans seeking the nomination are Kaety Bowers of Mapleton and Joshua Jones of Fort Scott. No Democrats or unaffiliated candidates have yet filed for the seat.

James indicated when he did not seek re-election to his commission seat from District 1 in 2022 that he was considering a run for state office. He is the owner of Semper Fi Auctioneering Service and the broker-agent for Bravo Realty, two companies he runs with his wife, Allyson James.

In addition to his announcement at the commission meeting on Monday, James spoke at the Linn County forum on solar power later that evening, saying that the county should enact a ban on solar farms. That drew applause from most of the nearly 200 people attending the forum, most of whom registered as anti-solar.

Jacobs ran afoul of House Republican leadership this session when he was one of four Republicans who did not vote to override a veto by Gov. Laura Kelly of the Legislature’s flat tax bill. Jacobs, reportedly said his decision was based on what was best for his constituents, not the party leadership.

According to the Sunflower Journal, Jacobs lost a plum committee assignment because of that defection.

House District 4 covers all of the townships in Linn County with the exception of Liberty Township, or the Parker area, which is in House District 9. That district is currently represented by Garnett veterinarian Fred Gardner. A Republican, Gardner has filed for re-election and so far has no opponent.

Parker Republican Caryn Tyson has filed for re-election to her state senate post. She too is so far unopposed. Senate District 12 covers all of Linn County as well as portions of Miami, Franklin, Anderson, Allen and Bourbon counties.