Paul Davis (Kansas politician)

Early life, education, and career

Davis is the son of an elementary school teacher and a public administration professor at the University of Kansas. Davis attended Lawrence public schools and graduated from Lawrence High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Kansas, Davis went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law. Davis and his wife, Stephanie, have a daughter who was born in 2010. Stephanie is a psychologist, specializing in the treatment of homeless veterans suffering from trauma.

Davis was first elected to the House in 2003 when his predecessor, Troy Findley, left the legislature to join the staff of newly elected Governor Kathleen Sebelius. He became the House Minority Leader in 2008, and worked with moderate republicans to pass a budget.

Political career

Kansas House of Representatives

Davis was appointed to serve in the Kansas House of Representatives in 2002. He represented the 46th district until 2015 and served as minority leader from 2009 to 2015. He was the Policy Chair for the House Democratic Caucus for three years prior to becoming minority leader of the Kansas House.

2014 Kansas gubernatorial campaign

Main article: 2014 Kansas gubernatorial election

Davis ran for governor in 2014 against incumbent Republican Sam Brownback and Libertarian Keen Umbehr. Upon announcing his candidacy, Davis stated, "As Kansans, we believe we have a moral obligation to educate our children, reward hard work, build a strong middle class and cooperate with one another. These values are what make us Kansans." Davis's bid was endorsed by over 100 Kansas Republican politicians. One who did so was former Kansas Senate President Dick Bond. His rationale for doing so was created by the state's fiscal difficulties brought on by Brownback's substantial tax cutting policies.

Davis was defeated by Brownback in the general election, 49.8% to 46.1%.

2018 U.S. House campaign

Davis was the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2018 election in Kansas's 2nd congressional district. The seat was open following the retirement of Republican incumbent Lynn Jenkins. Davis carried the 2nd district in 2014, when he lost a close contest for election as governor to incumbent Sam Brownback. The seat has flipped between parties repeatedly. It has been held by Democrat Jim Slattery, who stepped down to run for governor in 1994, and Republican Jim Ryun, who represented the district for six terms until he was unseated by one-term Democrat Nancy Boyda. Boyda, in turn, was defeated by Republican Lynn Jenkins in 2008. Jenkins declined to run for reelection in 2018. Republican Steve Watkins narrowly defeated Davis in the general election in November 2018.

Lobbying

Davis registered as a lobbyist in the state of Kansas in December 2020 and represents clients including tobacco, private health insurance, and casinos.

References

References

1. "Kansas legislators Past and Present-Paul Davis".
2. Koranda, Stephen. "Davis Launches Campaign For Kansas' 2nd District Congressional Seat".
3. "GOP newcomer Steve Watkins bucks polls to keep Kansas' 2nd District red".
4. Cooper, Brad. (7 October 2014). "Democrat Paul Davis' life immersed in policy and politics". Kansas City Star.
5. [http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/aug/05/davis-seens-possible-democratic-opponent-gov-brown/ Davis seen as possible Democratic opponent to Gov. Brownback], ''[[Lawrence Journal World]]'', Scott Rothschild, August 5, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
6. Davis was an intern for former Kansas Senate Minority Leader [[Anthony Hensley]] and former Congressman [[Jim Slattery]]. He is a partner in the Lawrence, Kansas, law firm of Fagan, Emert & Davis, LLC, which specializes in commercial litigation, family law, personal injury litigation, business and corporate law, federal and state criminal defense, Social Security Disability, real estate including foreclosures.[http://faganemertdavis.com/ Fagan, Emert & Davis]. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
7. Woodall, Hunter. (August 15, 2017). "Kansas Democrat Paul Davis announces congressional bid, says he won't vote for Pelosi". Kansas City Star.
8. AP. (September 17, 2013). "Democrat Paul Davis enters Kansas governor race". The Kansas City Star.
9. Carpenter, Tim. (July 15, 2014). "More than 100 GOP politicians endorse Democrat Davis for governor". The Topeka Capital-Journal.
10. [http://www.governing.com/poy/Dick-Bond.html Public Official of the Year, 2000 Dick Bond], ''[[Governing Magazine]]'', Alan Greenblatt, 2000. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
11. [https://www.thepitchkc.com/news/article/20564763/a-raft-of-kansas-republicans-announce-their-endorsement-of-democrat-paul-davis-for-governor A raft of Kansas Republicans announce their endorsement of Democrat Paul Davis for governor], ''[[The Pitch (newspaper). The Pitch]]'', Steve Vockrodt, July 15, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
12. Lazar, Alex. (July 15, 2014). "Over 100 Republicans Back Democratic Candidate For Kansas Governor". Huffington Post.
13. [http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/election/article3564878.html Brownback wins re-election]
14. "Kansas Secretary of State 2014 General Election Official Vote Totals".
15. Carpenter, Tim. (June 16, 2018). "Kansas Democrat Paul Davis leads all 2nd District candidates in campaign donations". Topeka Capital-Journal.
16. [https://www.adn.com/nation-world/2018/10/02/kansas-congressional-candidate-who-ran-the-iditarod-is-having-his-honesty-challenged/ Kansas congressional candidate who ran the Iditarod is having his honesty challenged], ''[[Anchorage Daily News]]'', Roxana Hegeman and John Hanna (AP), October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
17. Chilson, Morgan. "Steve Watkins wins tight race over Paul Davis in Kansas' 2nd Congressional District".
18. "Kansas Secretary of State - Lobbyist Search Results - Client Listing".