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Kansas Statehouse in Topeka

Well ahead of the June 1 filing deadline for the 2020 election, most Lawrence legislators have filed for another term in their posts.

Rep. Mike Amyx, D-Lawrence, Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, and Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, all filed their reelection paperwork Friday, according to the Kansas secretary of state’s office.

Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, and Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, filed their paperwork weeks earlier, records show. Holland so far is the only member of the area’s delegation who will face a challenger from either party.

Rep. Willie Dove, R-Bonner Springs, has filed to run against Holland. Dove is perhaps best known for accidentally leaving a loaded gun in a legislative committee room in 2017.

The one area official yet to file for reelection is Rep. Eileen Horn, D-Lawrence. She told the Journal-World in a text message that she is “undecided” about whether to run for another term. Horn has served in the House of Representatives since 2017.

In a press release announcing his intent to run for a second term in office, Amyx — a longtime Lawrence mayor, city and county commissioner — said it had been an honor to serve his constituents.

“We have accomplished some good things for our area, including funding the expansion of the South Lawrence Trafficway. But there is still much to do,” Amyx said. “Obviously, the first and utmost goal should be a speedy recovery from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. All Kansans’ lives have been upended; some losing their livelihoods, their health or their loved ones.”

Kansas’ primary election will take place Aug. 4. The 2020 general election will take place Nov. 3.