Kansas Rep. Jake LaTurner Announces Retirement from Congress

Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas announced on Tuesday that he will not seek reelection to his House seat in the fall. LaTurner, 36, cited the toll of serving in Congress and his desire to be more present for his four young children at home as the primary reasons for his decision.

"Serving in Congress was the professional honor of my life, but it is time to pursue other opportunities and have the benefit of spending more time with my family," LaTurner said in a statement. "The busy schedule of serving in and running for Congress has taken a toll. This unrepeatable season of life with my kids being young is something I want to be there for."

LaTurner has represented Kansas' 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of the eastern portion of the state, since 2021. He won reelection in 2022 with 57% of the vote. Prior to his election to Congress, LaTurner served as the Kansas State Treasurer from 2017 to 2021 and as a state senator from 2013 to 2017.

Why this matters: LaTurner's unexpected retirement announcement leaves an open seat in a Republican-leaning district and adds to the growing number of House Republicans not seeking reelection in 2024. His decision highlights the personal and family sacrifices that come with serving in Congress, especially for younger members with young children.

LaTurner's announcement took many Kansas Republicans by surprise and has set off speculation about potential candidates to replace him. Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, and State Sen. Caryn Tyson are among the names being floated as possible contenders for the seat.

In his statement, LaTurner acknowledged the current dysfunction in Congress but expressed optimism about the country's future. "I know the majority of the people I have served with are good and trying to do the right thing," he said. "I am hopeful that in another season of life, with new experiences and perspectives, I can contribute in some small way."

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) praised LaTurner's service, saying, "Jake has been a strong advocate for Kansas, and I respect his desire to spend more time with his young family. His voice and leadership will be missed in Congress."

LaTurner's retirement creates an open race in a district that has been reliably Republican. While the district includes Democratic strongholds in Topeka and northern Kansas City, it is offset by rural areas that heavily favored former President Donald Trump. The winner of the Republican primary will likely be the strong favorite in the general election, but the race could attract a competitive and crowded field of candidates vying to succeed LaTurner in Congress.

Key Takeaways

• Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) announced he will not seek re-election in 2024.
• LaTurner cited the toll of serving in Congress and desire to spend more time with family.
• LaTurner's retirement leaves an open seat in a Republican-leaning Kansas district.
• Several Kansas Republicans are being considered as potential candidates to replace LaTurner.
• LaTurner's retirement adds to the growing number of House Republicans not seeking re-election.