Topeka-area legislators reveal intent to retire; candidates emerge to replace them in Kansas House

Andrew Bahl, Topeka Capital-Journal
·2 min read
Rep. Annie Kuether, D-Topeka, has announced her intention not to run for re-election to the Kansas House, where she has served since 1997.
Rep. Annie Kuether, D-Topeka, has announced her intention not to run for re-election to the Kansas House, where she has served since 1997.
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Two northeast Kansas legislators have already announced their retirement in 2022, with challengers emerging to fill their seats in the Kansas House.

Reps. Annie Kuether, D-Topeka, and Ron Highland, R-Wamego, have announced in recent weeks they would be stepping down after lengthy careers in the Statehouse.

Kuether, who told colleagues of her intention to retire in early April, has served in the Legislature since 1997. Her district, House District 55, includes parts of downtown and central Topeka, including the Washburn University campus and Cedar Crest.

Currently, Kuether serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee. Prior to her work in the Legislature, she also worked as an attorney in private practice.

Tobias Schlingensiepen will run for Annie Kuether's seat

Tobias Schlingensiepen, senior pastor at First Congregational Church in Topeka, has since announced on social media that he plans to run in Kuether's district and has earned the outgoing legislator's endorsement.

He unsuccessfully ran against Sen. Kristen O'Shea, R-Topeka, in 2020 in the 18th Kansas Senate District.

"I'm a pastor, police chaplain, parent, grandparent and a passionate advocate for Kansas," Schlingensiepen said in a video announcing his campaign.

Meanwhile, Highland announced in a speech on the House floor last week that he wouldn't seek re-election.

Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, stands next to his wife April 25 as he announced he won't seek re-election next year.
Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, stands next to his wife April 25 as he announced he won't seek re-election next year.

Chair of the House Water Committee, Highland was first elected in 2012. His district, House District 51, includes Rossville and Dover in Shawnee County, as well as all of Wabaunsee County and parts of Lyon, Pottawatomie and Riley counties.

In addition to his political work, Highland worked at Bayer Animal Health and as a veterinarian in private practice.

"I’m not going to say goodbye," Highland said on the House floor. "I’m just going to say, 'Until we meet again.'”

Kenny Titus will run for Ron Highland's seat

Kenny Titus, currently chief counsel for the Kansas Department of Agriculture, has filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office to run for Highland's seat.

In a statement provided to the Manhattan Mercury, Highland appeared to back Titus, saying he would "represent the values of the district well."

Andrew Bahl is a senior statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at abahl@gannett.com or by phone at 443-979-6100.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka, Wamego legislators announce intent to retire from Kansas House