photo by: Associated Press

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, left, introduces Jeffry Jack, right, as her nominee for a seat on the state Court of Appeals, during a news conference, Friday, March 15, 2019, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. . Jack is a Labette County district court judge who previously served in the Kansas House. (AP Photo/John Hanna)

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly has nominated a southeast Kansas judge who previously served in the Legislature for a seat on the state Court of Appeals.

Kelly announced Friday that she selected Labette County District Judge Jeffry Jack for the state’s second-highest court. His appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Jack would replace retired Judge Patrick McAnany on the 14-member appeals court.

The 57-year-old Jack has served as a trial court judge since 2005 and was appointed to the bench by then-Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

He represented a Parsons-area district in the Kansas House as a Republican from 2003 until becoming a judge.

Kelly said Jack’s legislative experience was an important factor in his selection. The other two finalists for the position were attorneys Sarah Warner of Lenexa and Marcia Wood of Wichita.