Former KU basketball player enters political race for Kansas congressional seat

LAWRENCE, Kan. ( KSNT ) – Democrats have put forward a former Kansas University men’s basketball player for a vacant congressional seat in Kansas.

Matthew Kleinmann announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he is running as a Democrat for the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas on Monday, May 20. He currently has a campaign website online offering people the option to contribute to his run for office.

“Join me, and we can build a stronger Kansas together!”

Matthew Kleinmann X post excerpt

Kleinmann played for KU men’s basketball from 2005 to 2008 with the nickname “Big Red,” according to KU Athletics . His hometown is listed as Overland Park on his player profile.

Earlier this year, Republican Jake LaTurner announced he would not be seeking reelection for the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas.

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has entered the Republican race. He also ran for governor of Kansas in 2022, losing to the current Governor Laura Kelly. Schmidt is set to face Jeff Kahrs, a former Trump appointee and LaTurner advisor, in the August primary.

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