Kansas State Senator JR Claeys has tendered his resignation from the Kansas Senate after accepting a position in the Trump Administration.
Claeys has accepted an appointment offered by President Donald Trump to serve with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at the helm of the Rural Business Service.
“On behalf of the Kansas Senate, I would like to thank Senator Claeys for his years of service to Kansas,” Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said in a release. “During his last four-and-a-half years as senator from the 24th District, he has played a central role in shaping our budget and tax policies. He has helped lead efforts to secure key private and public sector investments into Kansas, particularly his district. While we will miss his expertise and input, J.R. has a passion for helping rural Kansans, which is why he is uniquely qualified for this new role in the Trump Administration. We wish him well.
“Per Article 2, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution, the 24th Senate District is now vacant, to be filled as prescribed by law.”
Republican Precinct representatives in the 25th Senate District will now be charged with making a recommendation to Gov. Laura Kelly.
Earl Watt is the owner and publisher of the Leader & Times in Liberal, Kansas. Watt started his career in journalism in 1991 at the Southwest Daily Times. During his career, the newspaper has won a total of 17 Sweepstakes awards from the Kansas Press Association for editorial content and 18 Sweepstakes awards for advertising. Watt has been recognized with more than 70 first place awards for writing in categories from sports and column to best front pages, best sports pages and best opinion pages. Watt is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and is the descendant of several patriots who fought for America's freedom and independence.
