Actions

Kansas Secretary of State denies state senator's request to withdraw from election

julia lynn.jpg
Posted at 5:55 PM, Sep 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-02 18:55:52-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Senator Julia Lynn's request to withdraw from the November ballot as the Republican nominee for District 9 was denied by the Kansas Secretary of State, 41 Action News confirmed Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Lynn announced she wanted to withdraw from the race due to personal reasons.

It was the last day to do so.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab reviewed her request and got legal analysis.

He ultimately had to deny the request because it was signed by a nurse instead of a doctor.

Lynn will remain on the ballot for now, but she does have the right to challenge the ruling.

Court proceedings would have to happen quickly, however, because Sept. 19 is the deadline for voting ballots to be mailed overseas.

Lynn does have another option. She could win the election and resign afterward.

Her resignation would be effective on the first day of 2021 legislative session.

If that happens, the Johnson County Republican Party would meet to decide Lynn's replacement.

Lynn has represented District 9, which includes De Soto and parts of Gardner, Lenexa and Olathe, since 2007.

She ran for re-election against Democratic candidate Stacey Knoell.

On Tuesday, Lynn said she needed to care for her “sister’s severely declining health,” in a Facebook post.

---

41 Action News is committed to providing comprehensive information on the 2020 primary and general elections with an emphasis on several key issues — the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and race relations. Count on us to provide news and information to help you make an informed choice at the polls.