TOPEKA — Kansas Sen. Mary Ware announced her retirement from the state Senate on Thursday, leaving open a Wichita-area seat ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Ware, a Democrat, did not cite a reason, and her retirement was effective immediately.

Ware, a retail store owner, replaced Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers in 2018 in a precinct committee election. She won reelection in 2020 and 2024 and is departing halfway through her term.

“Mary has been focused on creating a full and safe future for our children since joining the Senate,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes said. “Her commitment to collaboration and progress have made our team stronger. We will miss her dynamic and compassionate leadership. Our caucus wishes her the very best in retirement.”

Ware was the ranking Democrat on Senate committees on commerce and agriculture and natural resources. She also sat on the Assessment and Taxation Committee.

In 2025, she sponsored legislation to require the state library to provide services to people who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled. It was introduced but never heard by a committee.