Keenen Smith, an active member of the Wichita community, has announced his interest in further serving the community as the Kansas Senator Representing Wichita’s 25th District.
The district covers a very central part of Wichita, with a western boarder along I235, a southern border of Pawnee, a northern border of 25th St. N., with the eastern boundary wrapping around the western border of the Arkansas River. A small portion of the district expands further east with a northern boundary of Kellogg, east to Hillside, with the same south boundary of Pawnee.
Keenen, 30, is a businessman who previously served in the United States Army. He says he’s running to create good-paying jobs, protect and strengthen the economy, safeguard parental education rights, and promote a dialogue in Kansas that will allow the state to thrive.
Kansas Senate District 25 is predominately in the most central part of Wichita, but skirts downtown.
“There are many veterans, seniors, and working families who are struggling today. Their pain and concerns need to be heard by someone willing to listen and advocate for them in the halls of the capitol,” said Smith. “I am excited to work on developing plans to improve our state while protecting our vulnerable families and seniors from increasing tax burdens.”
Smith has served on numerous boards in the community and is a member of the media ministry at his church Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. He has two sons, Keni and Keenen Jr., and a daughter named Keiona Smith. Keenen attended Hinds Community College in Utica, MI, Jackson State University, Maxwell Leadership Academy and holds numerous certificates.
The 25th District has been represented by Mary Ware, a Democrat, since 2018. With a filing deadline in June, Smith, a Republican, could still draw a competitor which would require him to win a primary before advancing to the November general election. Ware could similarly draw a competitor in the Democratic primary.
