A day after longtime Leavenworth County state Rep. Kenny Wilk announced he would not seek re-election, a Republican Party activist said that she would run for the office.

Connie O’Brien, president of the Leavenworth County Republican Women’s Club and vice chairwoman of the county Republican Party, said Tuesday night she would seek the 42nd District seat in the Kansas House of Representatives.

O’Brien has a history degree from St. Mary College in Leavenworth and has taught special education and currently substitutes as a teacher. She said she sees herself as a voice for family farmers, small businesses, working men and women and traditional family values.

O’Brien and her husband, Ed, live on a small farm north of Tonganoxie.

She is the first announced candidate for the seat.