The stunning Republican Party primary defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia has many wondering how it happened and what happens next.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka, who serves with Cantor on the House GOP leadership team, said she considers Cantor a good friend.

“He is smart and believes in this country, so I know there will be opportunities for him in the future,” Jenkins said.

She added, “It is further proof that the old axiom that all politics are local still holds true today. I come home to Topeka every week and travel the district to get advice and hear concerns from Kansans.”

Jenkins, who is the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, faces a primary challenge from Joshua Joel Tucker of Pittsburg. The winner will face Democrat Margie Wakefield, a Lawrence attorney, in the November general election.

Many political observers said Cantor’s defeat at the hands of Tea Party-inspired economics professor David Brat has given Tea Party candidates new life.

One of those is Dr. Milton Wolf, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas. Wolf, who has often criticized Roberts for living in Virginia, said, “Eric Cantor isn’t the only incumbent from Virginia who is going to lose his primary this year. On August 5th, it’s Pat Roberts’ turn.”