Former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer launched campaign to replace Gov. Sam Brownback this morning. A Democrat, Brewer served two terms as Wichita mayor from 2007 to 2015. He served on the city council for a six years before that.
In his campaign announcement video, Brewer lists his accomplishments in private industry, the military, and in politics as qualifications for the top gig in the state.
Brewer said as mayor he worked with both parties and Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to better Wichita.
“I understand what we must do to create jobs and expand opportunities,” Brewer said. “While the rest of the country has rebounded from the great recession, Kansas has lagged behind. Too many Kansans are working too hard to barely make ends meet.”
The 59-year-old is the second candidate from Wichita to announce a campaign for governor. Wichita businessman Wink Hartman, a Republican, launched his campaign last week. Roeland Park Republican Ed O’Malley, a former state legislator, formed an exploratory committee in January. Brewer is the first Democrat to kick-off a campaign to replace Gov. Sam Brownback in 2018.