Although the general elections are still more than three months away, some Kansas lawmakers are already lining up to run for leadership positions next session.

The latest was Rep. Jene Vickrey, R-Louisburg, who confirmed Wednesday that he plans to run for speaker of the House in the 2017 session, hoping to succeed current Speaker Ray Merrick, of Stilwell, who is retiring from the Legislature this year.

Leadership elections are typically held in late November or December following the general elections.

Vickrey is currently the House majority leader, which is considered the second most powerful position in the House. He was first elected to the House in 1992 in a stunning upset race when he unseated then-House Speaker Marvin Barkus, the last Democrat to serve in that position.

Talking with reporters Wednesday following a State Finance Council meeting, Vickrey was at first coy on the subject and said he isn’t actively campaigning for the job just yet.

“I’ve told my caucus, now is not the time to be running for leadership because we have members that need to be elected,” he said.

But when pressed about it, he relented.

“I do plan to be running for leadership,” he said.

“Running for speakership, or just leadership?” one reporter asked. “Leadership is broader than just the speakership.”

“Yes,” Vickrey said.

“Yes what?” another reporter asked.

“I will be running for speaker,” Vickrey said. “But, now is not … I’m not announcing anything because we have work to do.”

Traditionally, Kansas House speakers serve no more than two terms (four years) in that position, then retire from the House. A few, including Democrat John Carlin (1977-78) and Republican Mike Hayden (1983-86), have gone on to become governor.

It’s not known who else might run for speaker. Rep. Peggy Mast, R-Emporia, the current House speaker pro tem, would be an obvious candidate, but she chose not to run for re-election this year.

Much of it will likely depend on the outcome of the Aug. 2 primaries and to some extent on the Nov. 8 general elections. That will determine, among other things, how strong the conservative wing of the House GOP caucus will be in the 2017 session.

On the Senate side, Majority Leader Terry Bruce, R-Hutchinson, has said he will likely challenge Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, for the job of Senate president, according to a July 9 story by the Wichita Eagle.