Governor Jeff Colyer Ends Campaign for Governor to focus on Prostate Cancer Treatment and his Patients.

Endorses Derek Schmidt for Governor.

Overland Park – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today announced that he is ending his campaign to be treated for prostate cancer and focus on his medical practice.  Governor Colyer also announced his endorsement for Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s candidacy for governor.

“I believe God put us here to make a difference in people’s lives.  I chose to be a doctor to help people and am humbled to serve my fellow Kansans as Governor and Lt. Governor to fight for this wonderful place we call home.

I am proud of what we have achieved. When I completed my term, we accomplished a lot: more Kansans working than ever before, record household income, record small business formation, and a budget surplus over $1.1 billion (the most ever transferred from one administration to the next).”

Governor Colyer increased transparency, enacted paid parental leave for state employees, protected religious liberties, advanced pro-life policies, mandated sexual harassment prevention, upgraded the state’s credit outlook, and under his leadership Kansas became a national leader in digital state government services delivered though the award-winning iKan app.  He oversaw the transformation of Kansas Medicaid and saved $2.5 billion while getting better results for patients which is a national model for other states.

“While I have always focused on helping others, for the next few weeks I am going to focus on my health. I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer like my father and grandfather.  After treatment, I am confident for a full recovery.  Given these challenges, Ruth and I have decided to withdraw from the Governor’s race.

Kansas has felt the pain of nearly three years of Governor Kelly’s leadership.  Now it’s time for Republicans to come together, rally around Derek Schmidt, and reclaim Cedar Crest.”

Governor Colyer closed with the following message to his patients and Kansans:

“To my patients, I will continue to take care of you for years to come.  If I see you as a patient in the trauma bay, know that not only will I fight like hell for you but I also know first-hand how it feels to face adversity.  I will continue my international work in warzones around the world.

To Kansans, I know you love our great state as much as Ruth and I do.  Kansas is the true heart of America.  It is an honor of a lifetime to serve you.  Ruth and I will continue to find ways to lead Kansas forward.”