Teenager running for governor of Kansas warns a dog might soon join the race
You must be a natural-born citizen to run for president, 21 to purchase alcohol, and 16 to get your driver's license, but it seems all you need to become the governor of Kansas is a pulse.
That worries one of the state's newest gubernatorial candidates, Ethan Randleas, a 17-year-old "conservatarian" from Wichita. He just announced he's entering the race, joining two other fresh-faced high school students: Democrat Jack Bergeson, 16, and Republican Tyler Ruzich, 17. This lack of requirements has Randleas wondering if he'll be up against Fido on the ballot. Kansas needs "some way to make sure we don't have, like, a dog run," Randleas told The Kansas City Star. "Because I'm sure someone's going to think about it and be like, 'Well, you know, it might be funny to have my dog run. I'm going to have my dog run for governor.' And they'll fork over $2,000 to get it on the primary ballot as a joke."
Bryan Caskey, director of elections at the Kansas secretary of state's office, was stumped, telling The Star he's "not sure how to answer that, because I cannot point to a law that sets any qualifications to run for a governor." On the other hand, the Kansas Constitution does say "no person may be elected to more than two successive terms as governor" — the key word being "person," not "man's best friend."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While basically anyone can run for governor, The Kansas City Star points out that the state has some of the strictest voting requirements, which have been challenged in court. Under the law, which has been championed by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach — who's also a gubernatorial candidate, Breitbart columnist, and voter fraud conspiracy theorist — voters must provide proof of citizenship when they register and show a photo ID at the polls.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
The Week contest: Stick guitar
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'Sports executives ushered a fox into the henhouse'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published