Topeka ? Retiring U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore’s wife, Stephene Moore, will seek the Democratic Party nomination to replace him as representative of the 3rd District, according to several reports Thursday.

Dennis Moore, a six-term incumbent, announced in November that he would not run again for the seat. In February, Moore said “stay tuned” when rumors circulated that his wife was considering the race.

Although there was no official word from Stephene Moore on Thursday, Republicans from Washington D.C. to Kansas were putting out statements criticizing her candidacy.

Several Republicans are vying for the GOP nomination. Dennis Moore is the only Democrat in the Kansas congressional delegation. The 3rd District includes east Lawrence.