An Overland Park Democrat is running for Kansas secretary of state, advocating for broadening ballot access in a race that has thus far focused on election security and dubious claims of voter fraud.

Jeanna Repass, a 51-year-old mother of three and former director of urban mission outreach for the United Church of the Resurrection, announced her campaign Tuesday on the anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling that integrated schools in 1959.

“From resisting the violence of people trying to invade us in 1861 to being on the front lines of advocacy in 1959 Kansas has always stood up for the right of the people of Kansas to make their vote,” said Repass, who describes her mother as a civil rights activist.

“I will fight and protect your right to have access to your vote as a Kansan.”

If elected, Repass would be the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in Kansas. According to the Kansas Historical Society, the last time a Black Kansan held statewide office was 1882, when Edward McCabe was elected as state auditor.

Repass is the only Democrat in the race to be Kansas’ top election official. Incumbent Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, an Olathe Republican, is running for a second term but facing a primary challenge from former Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown, who has based his campaign on false claims of election fraud.

In a statement following Repass’ announcement, Schwab’s campaign touted the incumbent’s record on election security...

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