Wichita businessman Wink Hartman running for Kansas governor

Wichita oil businessman Wink Hartman announced Wednesday launch of a campaign for the Republican nomination for Kansas governor.

Hartman said his entrance into the 2018 GOP contest would be immediate. Gov. Sam Brownback can’t seek a third term, leaving the job open for the first time since Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson declined to run in 2010.

“As a businessman, I’ve watched the dysfunction in Topeka with increasing frustration. Instead of finding solutions, Topeka is causing problems. Instead of providing stability for Kansas families, farms and businesses, Topeka is creating uncertainty. Most importantly, instead of improving the quality of life for Kansans, Topeka is making things more difficult,” Hartman said.

Hartman is owner of oil industry businesses and has been a donor to GOP candidates. He sought the 4th District seat in the U.S. House in 2010 but lost to Mike Pompeo in the Republican primary. Pompeo resigned to accept an appointment as CIA director under President Donald Trump.

Other GOP gubernatorial prospects include Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Susan Wagle and former state Rep. Ed O’Malley.