Jake LaTurner

Jacob LaTurner (born February 17, 1988) is an American politician who currently serves as the Kansas State Treasurer. A Republican, LaTurner previously served in the Kansas State Senate from 2013 until 2017. Upon his appointment as State Treasurer, LaTurner became the youngest current statewide official in the United States. He was reelected to the post in his own right in 2018, becoming the youngest current elected statewide official in the United States.[1][2][3] LaTurner briefly campaigned for the United States Senate in the 2020 election before instead opting to run for the United States House of Representatives seat representing Kansas's 2nd congressional district. LaTurner defeated incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Watkins in that primary election, amid corruption allegations against Watkins.

Jake LaTurner
40th Treasurer of Kansas
Assumed office
April 25, 2017
GovernorSam Brownback
Jeff Colyer
Laura Kelly
Preceded byRon Estes
Member of the Kansas Senate
from the 13th district
In office
January 9, 2013 – April 25, 2017
Preceded byBob Marshall
Succeeded byRichard Hilderbrand
Personal details
Born (1988-02-17) February 17, 1988
Galena, Kansas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationPittsburg State University (BA)

Early life and education

LaTurner is a native of Southeast Kansas and was born and raised in Galena, Kansas. He graduated from Galena High School and enrolled at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science.[4] LaTurner worked for former Kansas Treasurer and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins during his time in college in her Pittsburg district office.[4]

Kansas State Senator

After losing the 2008 District 13 primary election to Republican Senator Bob Marshall, in 2012, he won the primary against the incumbent, Marshall, then won the general election.[5] At the age of 24 he became the youngest member of that body. Stating he was trying to keep Kansas capital Topeka from becoming Washington D.C., he immediately set out to impose term limits on state legislators, reform the process for requesting public records, and combat nepotism within the legislature. LaTurner faced opposition on these issues, seen as extremely ambitious, particularly the term limits. Both Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Ray Merrick, a Republican, and Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley publicly opposed such initiatives.[6]

In February 2015, LaTurner was the lead sponsor of legislation allowing Kansas adults to carry firearms without needing a concealed carry permit.[7] In 2016, he authored a bill limiting property tax increases.[8]

Kansas State Treasurer

LaTurner was appointed Kansas State Treasurer in April 2017 by Governor Sam Brownback. He replaced Ron Estes, who had been elected to the United States House of Representatives for Kansas's 4th congressional district. Appointed at the age of 29, LaTurner became the youngest statewide official in the United States. Defeating state senator Marci Francisco in the 2018 election, he became the youngest statewide elected official in the United States.[9]

As State Treasurer, one of LaTurner's primary responsibilities is to oversee unclaimed property, over which there is over $350 million worth in Kansas. LaTurner completed a 105 County Tour within 5 months during his first year in office, and returned over $10 million during the tour.[10] During LaTurner's first year in office, he returned a record amount of unclaimed property to Kansans, over $25.5 million. "Every dollar we return to the people of Kansas is a dollar that goes back into their local communities," LaTurner said. "Not only have we returned a record amount of money to Kansans, but we have made the process more user friendly and we have improved the service offered to Kansans."[11]

LaTurner also administers the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings and ABLE Savings Programs, which assist Kansans in saving for their future.[12] During his first year in office, LaTurner implemented changes to the Kansas Learning Quest and ABLE Savings Programs. Under these changes, individuals living with a disability are able to roll over saved funds within a 529 Education Savings Account into their ABLE Account. Additionally, Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Account holders can utilize their funds for K-12 education tuition.[13]

LaTurner v. United States

As Kansas Treasurer, LaTurner continued a legal case against the United States Department of the Treasury which requested the federal government return the proceeds from matured bonds to Kansas. Though a judge in a lower court sided with the state of Kansas, requiring the federal government to return approximately $150 million in savings bonds to the state of Kansas, the United States Court of Appeals overturned that decision and found in favor of the federal government. The bonds will still be returned to Kansans, but that process will be overseen at the federal, rather than state, level.[14][15]

2020 elections

U.S. Senate campaign
Further information: 2020 United States Senate election in Kansas

On January 8, 2019, LaTurner announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2020 election, hoping to succeed four-term incumbent Pat Roberts. LaTurner's announcement came roughly two weeks after Roberts announced his intention to retire in 2021. LaTurner announced his candidacy at age 30, the minimum age the United States Constitution requires a Senator to be. As LaTurner's next election as State Treasurer would not be until 2022, the Senate campaign was considered relatively low-stakes.[16] Campaigning as a conservative, he supported the proposed Trump wall, an expansion of the physical barrier along the Mexico–United States border, argued for fiscal responsibility, and supported term limits for federally elected politicians.[16] Responding to questions at a meeting with five locals at the Garden City library, he said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez "thinks that the government can fix all of our problems for us and doesn't think that individuals have rights, naturally." "I think that what I believe in, and it's what our founders believed in, is that our rights come from God, not from the government." We need to continue to send people to Washington, D.C., that aren't afraid to stand up with President Trump and defend conservative principles."[17]

LaTurner stated in several interviews that he would step aside and drop out of the race should United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opt to run for the seat, as many in the Republican Party were hoping he would. In one interview, LaTurner stated he would be the "first to support [Pompeo]," while in another he said Pompeo had "right up to the last minute, he can decide to run."[18][19][20]

On September 9, 2019, LaTurner suspended his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, opting instead to run for the U.S. House in the 2020 election.[21]

U.S. House campaign
Further information: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Kansas

While LaTurner was running his Senate campaign, incumbent Republican Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district Steve Watkins was becoming embattled in several controversies, including that he inflated his business resume, was not present for important votes, voting fraud and allegations of sexual misconduct. Watkins and his staff had edited his Wikipedia page to remove content relating to the controversies. Many speculated Watkins was planning on resigning prior to the end of his term, which he adamantly denied.[22] Watkins was charged with interference with law enforcement, providing false information; voting without being qualified; unlawful advance voting; and failing to notify the DMV of change of address.[23] In response, former Governor of Kansas Jeff Colyer publicly encouraged LaTurner to consider challenging Watkins for the seat.[24][25]

LaTurner announced he would end his Senate campaign in order to challenge Watkins on September 4, 2019. In an interview with Politico, LaTurner said, "At the end of the day, we don't want to see another congressional seat be turned over to the Democrats in Kansas...Congressman Watkins, without question, puts this seat in jeopardy this cycle." Watkins had been elected in 2018 by a margin of less than 1%. LaTurner was able to move $470,000 cash on hand from his Senate campaign to his House campaign, giving him a large advantage over Watkins who had only $260,000 at the time of LaTurner's announcement.[24][21] On August 4, 2020, LaTurner defeated Watkins in the Republican primary to run against Democratic Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, in the November 3, general election.[26]

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References
  1. "Kansas Governor Appoints Nation's Youngest Statewide Official". The Celock Report. April 18, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  2. Brownback picks Pittsburg, Kan., Republican to fill state treasurer post (Kansas City Star article-April 18, 2017)
  3. "Republican LaTurner elected Kansas treasurer". KSNW. November 7, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  4. "Governor appoints Sen. Jake LaTurner as Kansas State Treasurer". Parsons Sun. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  5. Ballotpedia Jacob LaTurner, Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  6. Marso, Andy (January 19, 2013). "Freshman senator intent on opening up government". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  7. Carpenter, Tim. "Kansas Senate pushes ahead with 'constitutional' carry of concealed guns". The Topeka Capital. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  8. "Kansas to consider tightening limits on local property taxes". LJWorld.com. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  9. McLean, Jim (April 18, 2017). "LaTurner Appointed To Succeed Estes As Kansas State Treasurer". KCUR 89.3. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  10. "LaTurner Returned $10 Million to Kansans During 105 County Tour". WamegoTimes.com. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  11. Smith, Sherman. "Kansas State Treasurer's office sets high mark with $25.5 million returned from unclaimed property". The Topeka Capital. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  12. Wiley, Eric. "State treasurer visits Salina". Salina Journal. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  13. Strader, Stacie (February 21, 2018). "KS Implements Changes to ABLE, 529 Accounts". KOAM. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  14. Carpenter, Tim. "Kansas official hails federal ruling on $150 million in unclaimed bonds". The Topeka Capital. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  15. "LaTurner v United States, Decision on Appeal" (PDF).
  16. Shorman, Jonathan (January 8, 2019). "Kansas Treasurer LaTurner enters race to replace retiring Roberts in U.S. Senate". Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  17. Senate campaign tour brings LaTurner to Garden City, Garden City Telegram, Amber Friend, August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  18. Wise, Lindsay (August 13, 2019). "Kansas GOP Weighs Senate Hopefuls While Pining for Pompeo". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  19. Lowry, Bryan (February 7, 2019). "Kansas Republicans LaTurner, Marshall work to escape Pompeo's 'shadow' in Senate race". McClatchy Washington Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  20. Hanna, John (August 16, 2019). "Republicans still waiting on Pompeo in Kansas Senate race". KSHB Kansas City. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  21. Arkin, James (September 4, 2019). "Kansas Republican drops Senate bid to primary Rep. Steve Watkins". Politico. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  22. Lowry, Bryan; Shorman, Jonathan (August 23, 2019). "Kansas Rep. Watkins knocks down resignation rumors; aide hits 'whisper campaign'". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  23. Homan, Timothy R. (July 17, 2020). "GOP lawmaker steps down from committees following voter fraud charges". TheHill. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  24. Hanna, Jake (September 4, 2019). "In Kansas GOP Fight, Jake LaTurner Leaves Senate Race to Challenge Incumbent Rep. Steve Watkins". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  25. "Jake LaTurner suspends Senate bid to challenge Watkins in GOP primary". KSHB Kansas City. September 4, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  26. LaTurner beats Watkins to take on De La Isla for congress, KSNT, Mark Feuerborn and Tiffany Littler, August 4, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
Kansas Senate
Preceded by
Bob Marshall		 Member of the Kansas Senate
from the 13th district
2013–2017		 Succeeded by
Richard Hilderbrand
Political offices
Preceded by
Ron Estes		 Treasurer of Kansas
2017–present		 Incumbent
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