Jake LaTurner

Jacob Andrew Joseph LaTurner (born February 17, 1988)[1] is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from 2021 to 2025.

He graduated from Galena High School and enrolled at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science.

[5] LaTurner worked for former Kansas treasurer and congresswoman Lynn Jenkins during his time in college in her Pittsburg district office.

[6] According to Rep. Henry Cuellar, he is enrolled alongside him in the master's in defense and strategic studies program at Naval War College (as of 2023).

He faced opposition on these issues, including from Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Ray Merrick, a Republican, and Senate Democratic leader Anthony Hensley.

He replaced Ron Estes, who had been elected to the United States House of Representatives for Kansas's 4th congressional district.

[12] As state treasurer, one of LaTurner's primary responsibilities was to oversee unclaimed property, over which there is over $350 million worth in Kansas.

[19][20] On January 8, 2019, LaTurner announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2020 election, hoping to succeed four-term incumbent Pat Roberts.

[25] While LaTurner was running his Senate campaign, incumbent Republican representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district Steve Watkins was becoming embattled in several controversies, including that he inflated his business resume, was not present for important votes, voting fraud and allegations of sexual misconduct.

[27] In response, former governor of Kansas Jeff Colyer publicly encouraged LaTurner to consider challenging Watkins for the seat.

On August 4, 2020, LaTurner defeated Watkins in the Republican primary to run against Democratic Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla in the November 3 general election.

On April 18, 2024, LaTurner announced he would not be seeking reelection to the House of Representatives, citing a "toll" that Congressional service had taken on him.