Skip to content

Ex-Congressman Hints at Comeback Bid in Kansas (Updated)

Update 3:02 p.m. | Former Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., said this weekend he has not ruled out a primary challenge to two-term Rep. Mike Pompeo in Kansas’ 4th District.

“How can we hold Republican incumbent elected officials accountable if they don’t have a a primary?” Tiahrt asked the Kansas City Star.

In 2010, Tiahrt lost a primary for Senate to Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who was also a House member at the time. Prior to that failed bid, Tiahrt served the Wichita-based district for eight terms.

Tiahrt told the Star that if he ran, he would run as a more conservative alternative to Pompeo, who succeeded Tihart after 2010.

The district is strong Republican territory. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney won here by a 26-point margin in 2012.

Kansas’ 4th District is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

Update 3:02 p.m. | Tiahrt said he currently does not have any plans to run, but he’s giving the race a look.

“I don’t have any current plans to run, but I have been approached by a lot of people who think Congress is out of touch, spending more time raising money than getting things done,” Tiahrt said in a phone interview with CQ Roll Call Monday afternoon.

“It’s something I have to at least consider,” Tiahrt said of a congressional comeback bid.

Recent Stories

Lee, Fitzpatrick win primaries as fall matchups set in PA

Aid finally set to flow as Senate clears $95.3B emergency bill

Flag fracas: Republicans ‘infuriated’ by show of support for Ukraine  

Justice Department settles claims on USA Gymnastics investigation

Senate looks to clear aid bill Tuesday night with no amendments

‘Cruelty and chaos’: Biden hits Trump in Florida over abortion bans