HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Paul Waggoner announced Friday he will not seek re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2026, ending an eight-year tenure representing House District 104.
In a statement, Waggoner called it a “genuine honor” to serve residents of the district and thanked voters for their continued support during his time in office.
“Their willingness to repeatedly send me back to the Capitol in ever increasing margins of victory is humbling,” Waggoner said. “As a native son of the 104th District, I knew instinctively that a common sense conservative on both fiscal and social issues is the true political heart of this district.”
Waggoner said his decision not to run again is based on “growing personal and professional needs,” but emphasized he does not plan to step away from political involvement.
He indicated he intends to remain active at the local level and in broader state political efforts, including supporting Republican candidates and policy priorities in upcoming election cycles.
“I have been asked repeatedly to help with political issues at the local level,” Waggoner said. “I will also be working to ensure we have a Republican residing at Cedar Crest in 2027 and that the voters, rather than the political insiders, will be deciding all future members of the Kansas Supreme Court.”
Waggoner has represented District 104 since 2019. His decision opens the seat ahead of the 2026 election cycle.