Thank you.



Since announcing my run for governor in August, you have been dedicated champions for me and my vision for a better Kansas. It’s been a wonderful journey getting out across the state and interacting with each of you, listening to your ideas, sharing stories about our love for the state, and committing to ways we can use our energy to grow the economy and give all Kansans a fair shot at the American dream.



That’s what makes today bittersweet.



I have decided to suspend my campaign for governor and file for re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives from District 86. As the Democratic leader of the Kansas House, I know how critical it is that we have Democratic voices representing Kansans. This past session demonstrated that if we want good jobs, strong schools, affordable healthcare, non-discriminatory policies for our LGBTQ friends, and protections for working Kansas, it takes more of our votes.



My voice is not leaving Kansas politics. Our energy is not dissipating.



I look forward to continuing to work with each of you. While I won’t be asking for your vote for governor, I will continue to ask for your support, input, and participation in our democracy. We have dozens of House campaigns we welcome your help on. There are talented men and women running for office, and we must support them. I hope you’ll join me in elevating their efforts.



And for those of you who have considered a run for office yourself, there’s still time to file!



Together we can, and will, continue to move our great state forward. The stakes in Kansas are simply too high to give up the fight.



Forward, Our work toward gun safety policies won't stop! We must do more to ensure safe school environments and access to mental health resources for those in need. I will never cease in my efforts to make sure our teachers have the resources they need to educate our future generations. Their work matters most. This campaign has introduced me to lot of new ideas and people. I'm eager to pursue what I've learned. Good things await! Senator Hensley and I have had a great time working together to advance sound policies that give all Kansans a fair shot. We won't let up! I talked a lot about jobs and economic development on the campaign trail. Small business owners are the backbone of our economy and we can do more to foster entrepeneurship and innovation. This will continue to be a focus of mine. The best part of my job? Getting to interact with students. Our future is bright, Kansas. We just have to make sure our state is a place they want to share their talents. We can do that! Voting Day! Make sure Aug. 7, 2018 and Nov. 6, 2018 are on your calendar. Whether its schools or Medicaid expansion or simply the fairness in the execution of the rules, you can count on me to step up to the well and stand up for you and your priorities! Smart. Strong. Capable. Our job is to make sure we never limit her or any other Kansas child's opportunities. I said it then and I'll say it again - don't miss the Kansas State Fair. It's a great place to familiarize yourself with our agricultural heritage and meet the dynamic men and women who contribute so much to our economy. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues in the Kansas House. We're making things happen and I couldn't be more proud! Hats off to these young men who stepped up to run for Governor because they believed in their vision to make the state better. I admire each and know they will make a positive mark on Kansas. This photo was taken after a rally in support of those impacted by DACA. As I told the woman pictured above that day, we'll keep up the fight. That doesn't stop even though I'm not running for Governor. I'm ending with this photo of my incredible family. They are the biggest Jim Ward fans and have embraced my political adventures with great heart and commitment. From knocking doors for me in my first race many years ago to diving all in with their support when I told them I thought I'd run for Governor, they've always stood with me. I couldn't ask for a better Team Ward!

Thank you. My cup runneth over.