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Chris Mann

A Lawrence resident and former police officer has entered the race for Kansas attorney general.

Chris Mann, 45, who is now a private attorney, announced his candidacy in a news release on Tuesday. A spokeswoman told the Journal-World he would run as a Democrat.

Mann is the second Douglas County candidate in the race, as Republican Kris Kobach is also vying for the seat currently held by Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor.

Prior to his career in private practice, Mann served as a prosecutor in Wyandotte County. Additionally, he served several years as a police officer for the Lawrence Police Department, the Journal-World previously reported.

“In times like these, families need a champion in their corner. Not a politician, but a law enforcement officer focused on keeping people safe,” Mann said in the news release. “I’ll focus on the basics of law enforcement, protect our rights, protect our families and make Kansas a safer place to live.”

As the Journal-World reported in 2013, Mann is an Olathe native who attended the University of Kansas. During his career with LPD, Mann was struck by a drunken driver during a traffic stop in 2002, which ended his career as a police officer.

Along with his law career, Mann began volunteering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also known as MADD, according to the news release. He also advocated for the passage of a new state law requiring ignition interlocks for all DUI offenders.

“I’ve been a police officer, the victim and survivor of crime, a prosecutor and a private attorney,” Mann said. “I will bring a different set of experiences to this office at a pivotal time.”

Mann currently lives in Lawrence with his wife and two children, according to the news release.

Former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi and Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Kellie Warren, both Republicans, have also joined the race for attorney general.