Lieutenant governor choice brings trusted voice of agriculture, Western Kansas to Republican ticket 

TOPEKA (May 29, 2026) — Republican Scott Schwab today announced Representative Ken Rahjes as his running mate in the race to be the next Governor of the Great State of Kansas.

“Ken has served Kansas honorably for years. He brings the voice of agriculture and Western Kansas to leaders in Topeka every day,” Schwab said. “He will be instrumental in revitalizing rural communities.”

Rahjes, a fourth generation Kansan, was raised on a diversified family farm and ranch outside of Agra in north central Kansas. He has served in the House of Representatives for the 110th District since 2015. Most recently, Rahjes served as chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee.

Schwab said Rahjes was a champion of rural Kansas, pointing to his career in agriculture as a broadcaster, farmer, and policymaker. He has been active for more than 30 years working on solutions to the long-term water needs of western Kansas.

During the 2026 session, Rahjes led the effort to strengthen rural Kansas through the passage of the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act to encourage and expand opportunities and incentives for licensed attorneys or Kansas law students to practice in rural areas.

Rahjes said he was proud to join the campaign and work side by side with Schwab to modernize state government, revitalize rural Kansas, and fix the property tax and appraisal crisis threatening the ability of residents to own and stay in their homes.

“I am honored to join the Schwab team,” Rahjes said. “I served with Scott in the House of Representatives and have seen his leadership first hand. We will work everyday to make our state a great place to raise a family and enjoy a quality of life second to none. Leadership is more than slogans and soundbites, it’s delivering real results for all Kansans.”

Rahjes and his wife of 35 years, Lori, have four grown children and one grandchild. He is a member of the Phillips County Farm Bureau (past president), Phillipsburg Rotary Club, Board Member of the Huck Boyd Institute for Rural Development and Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.