Former Kansas legislator files to run for Leavenworth House seat, focusing on bipartisanship

TOPEKA — Former state legislator Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth is seeking to return to the House with a campaign message grounded in bipartisanship.

Pittman, a Democrat who served in the House from 2017-2021 and Senate from 2021-2025, chose a Republican campaign treasurer, according to a May 27 press release.

“I’m running because Leavenworth citizens deserve experienced leadership, commonsense focus on local results, and a unifying voice,” Pittman said in the release.

Republican Ann Reinhart is also running for the seat.

Pittman is hoping to replace Republican Rep. Pat Proctor, who is running for secretary of state. Pittman’s bipartisan focus contrasts Proctor’s conflict with Democratic representatives.

In March, three Democrats on the House Elections Committee walked out of a meeting after accusing Proctor, the committee chair, of making an antisemitic comment.

Pittman said in the release Leavenworth residents deal with too much political division.

Pittman is married to Leavenworth City Commissioner Holly Pittman, who faced disapproval from residents when she voted in March to allow CoreCivic to reopen its private prison as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment facility. Vocal protest crescendoed throughout the city commission meeting, ending in about 150 people shouting “shame” outside Leavenworth City Hall.

As a state senator, Pittman served on insurance, transportation and special workforce development committees. He lost reelection in 2024 by 31 votes.

House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said Pittman has “a proven record of public service.”

“He knows the district, he knows the Legislature, and he understands how to bring a practical voice to the work of governing,” Woodard said in the release. “I’m proud to support his campaign for the Kansas House.”