Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed speculation Thursday morning that he might run for a Kansas Senate seat in 2020.
“I love Kansas. I’m going to be the secretary of state for as long as President Trump gives me the opportunity to do so,” he said on NBC’s “Today” show.
Talk was circulating about a potential 2020 race for Mr. Pompeo in January after Republican members of Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, encouraged him to join them on Capitol Hill.
At the time, Mr. Pompeo said he was focused on his position at the State Department, but he didn’t explicitly close the door on the possibility until Thursday.
“It’s ruled out,” he said. “I’m here. I’m loving it.”
GOP strategists in Kansas were skeptical that Mr. Pompeo would actually jump into the race, but the possibility loomed over the potential Republican field as many said the former CIA director and Kansas congressman would dominate the election should he run.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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