MISSION, Kan. – Kansas Democratic and U.S. Senate candidate Barry Grissom has withdawn from the race Thursday, saying a long primary would be hurtful to his party’s goals.
“After long consideration, I’ve come to believe the most important thing I can do to help us win this race is to step aside,” Grissom in a letter released from his campaign.
As the former U.S. Attorney steps aside he has decided to endorse Barbara Bollier.
“Working to win our U.S. Senate seat for the first time in more than 80 years has always been a mission that’s bigger than just me and I know a drawn-out primary would be harmful to our fight,” Grissom said. “I’ve come to believe the most important thing I can do to help us win this race is to step aside, and ask for all those that want to challenge Kansas’ status quo to unite with me in supporting Barbara Bollier.”
“State Senator Bollier has always had the courage to put politics aside in order to do the right thing, and she was instrumental in helping stop the Brownback cuts to schools, roads and public safety. As our next U.S. Senator, I know Barbara Bollier will be an incredible advocate for working families and children, and I will do everything in my power to help elect her.”
In 2020, Kansas will elect a new U.S. Senator due to the announced retirement of current Senator Pat Roberts. The state of Kansas has only had three “open” U.S. Senate races in the past 40 years.