State Sen. Steve Fitzgerald plans to formally kick off his bid for the 2nd District congressional race on Thursday with an event in Topeka.

Fitzgerald’s kick-off event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Dillon House, just west of the Kansas Statehouse, 404 SW 9th Ave.

Fitzgerald is currently serving his second term in the Senate. He is considered a hard-line conservative who voted this year against legislation to reverse Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax policies. He has also spoken out strongly against abortion, same-sex marriage and transgender rights.

A hint about the focus of his congressional campaign was contained in the subject line of an email he sent to reporters announcing the event: “Lt. Colonel Steve Fitzgerald’s Congressional Announcement.” Fitzgerald is a retired U.S. Army officer.

Incumbent Rep. Lynn Jenkins, a Topeka Republican, announced in January that she will not run for public office in 2018. Many had considered her a likely candidate for governor next year.

Former state Rep. Paul Davis, a Lawrence Democrat, has said he is exploring getting into the race, but he has not officially filed. Davis ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014.

Also said to be considering the race is state Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker. The only Republican who has officially filed so far is Basehor City Council member Vernon J. Fields.