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Gene Suellentrop
Gene Suellentrop (Republican Party) was a member of the Kansas State Senate, representing District 27. He assumed office on January 9, 2017. He left office on January 2, 2023.
Suellentrop (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Kansas State Senate to represent District 27. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Suellentrop served as state Senate majority leader from December 2020 to March 2021.[1]
Suellentrop resigned from the state Senate on January 2, 2023.[2]
Suellentrop is a former Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing District 105 from 2009 to 2013 and District 91 from 2013 to 2017.
Biography
Gene Suellentrop, as of February 2020, lived in Wichita, Kansas. He earned a degree from Saint Gregory's University. Sullentrop’s career experience includes working as the owner of In the Sauce Brands.[3]
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2021-2022
Suellentrop was assigned to the following committees:
- Legislative Coordinating Council Committee
- State Building Construction Committee
- Confirmation Oversight Committee, Chair
- Senate Interstate Cooperation Committee, Vice chair
- Organization, Calendar and Rules Committee, Vice chair
- Ways and Means Committee
2019-2020
Suellentrop was assigned to the following committees:
- Home and Community Based Services Oversight Committee (decommissioned), Chair
- Commerce Committee
- Public Health and Welfare Committee, Chair
- Ways and Means Committee
- Utilities Committee
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Kansas committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Commerce, Vice chair |
| • Financial Institutions and Insurance |
| • Judiciary |
| • Utilities |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Suellentrop served on the following committees:
| Kansas committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Taxation, Vice Chair |
| • Appropriations |
| • Pensions, Investments and Benefits |
| • Commerce, Labor and Economic Development |
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Suellentrop served on the following committees:
| Kansas committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Appropriations, Vice chair |
| • Commerce, Labor and Economic Development, Vice chair |
| • Legislative Budget, Vice chair |
| • Insurance |
| • Financial Institutions |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Suellentrop served on the following committees:
| Kansas committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Appropriations |
| • Commerce and Economic Development, Vice chair |
| • Economic Development |
| • Judiciary |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2020
See also: Kansas State Senate elections, 2020
General election
General election for Kansas State Senate District 27
Incumbent Gene Suellentrop defeated Mike McCorkle in the general election for Kansas State Senate District 27 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Gene Suellentrop (R) | 66.7 | 26,296 |
 | Mike McCorkle (D)  | 33.3 | 13,143 | |
| Total votes: 39,439 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Kansas State Senate District 27
Mike McCorkle advanced from the Democratic primary for Kansas State Senate District 27 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mike McCorkle | 100.0 | 3,889 |
| Total votes: 3,889 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Kansas State Senate District 27
Incumbent Gene Suellentrop advanced from the Republican primary for Kansas State Senate District 27 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gene Suellentrop | 100.0 | 11,014 |
| Total votes: 11,014 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
- See also: Kansas State Senate elections, 2016
Elections for the Kansas State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. Incumbent Leslie Donovan (R) did not seek re-election.
Gene Suellentrop defeated Tony Hunter in the Kansas State Senate District 27 general election.[4][5]
| Kansas State Senate, District 27 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Gene Suellentrop |
66.50% | 22,252 | |
| Democratic | Tony Hunter | 33.50% | 11,209 | |
| Total Votes | 33,461 | |||
| Source: Kansas Secretary of State | ||||
Tony Hunter ran unopposed in the Kansas State Senate District 27 Democratic primary.[6][7]
| Kansas State Senate, District 27 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Tony Hunter (unopposed) | |
Gene Suellentrop defeated Lori Graham in the Kansas State Senate District 27 Republican primary.[6][7]
| Kansas State Senate, District 27 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Gene Suellentrop |
50.61% | 4,085 | |
| Republican | Lori Graham | 49.39% | 3,987 | |
| Total Votes | 8,072 | |||
2014
Elections for the Kansas House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election was held on August 5, 2014, and a general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014. Incumbent Gene Suellentrop defeated Eric Henderson in the Republican primary and was unopposed in the general election.[8][9]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Gene Suellentrop Incumbent |
64.7% | 1,493 |
| Eric Henderson | 35.3% | 816 |
| Total Votes | 2,309 | |
2012
Suellentrop won re-election in the 2012 election for Kansas House of Representatives District 91. He defeated Robin Clements in the August 7 Republican primary and defeated Katelyn A. Delvaux (D) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[10][11]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Gene Suellentrop Incumbent |
68.8% | 5,949 | |
| Democratic | Katelyn Delvaux | 31.2% | 2,692 | |
| Total Votes | 8,641 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Gene Suellentrop Incumbent |
62.2% | 1,434 |
| Robin Clements | 37.8% | 872 |
| Total Votes | 2,306 | |
2010
Suellentrop won re-election to the 105th District seat against Jane Byrnes (D). Suellentrop had no opposition in the GOP primary. The general election took place on November 2, 2010.[12]
| Kansas House of Representatives, District 105 General Election (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Gene Suellentrop (R)
|
4,971 | |||
| Jane Byrnes (D) | 2,847 | |||
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Gene Suellentrop did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2016
Suellentrop's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[13]
| “ |
100% Pro Life Gene is a tireless defender of the unborn and will work to ensure zero taxpayer dollars fund abortion in Kansas. Reduce Spending There are over $2 billion in efficiencies that Gene fully supports implementing which will make government spending accountable. End Corporate Welfare Government should promote a level playing field and not be picking winners and losers. Preserve Parental Rights Gene has led the efforts to pass Simon’s law in the House. If passed, Doctors would never be able to withhold life-saving care without parental consent. Strengthen Education Education opportunities shouldn’t be determined by zip codes. Gene will support efforts to strengthen school choice and empower parents so every child has a chance to succeed.[14] |
” |
Noteworthy events
Charged with reckless driving under the influence and fleeing an officer (2021)
On March 16, 2021, Suellentrop was arrested by the Capitol Police, a division of the Kansas Highway Patrol, after driving in the wrong direction on the interstate and engaging law enforcement in short pursuit, according to a Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson. Shawnee County Judge Penny Moylan said the police report lacked some necessary information and ordered Suellentrop's release that same day. The arrest report was forwarded to the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office for review.[15][16]
On March 17, Suellentrop temporarily stepped down from his leadership duties in the Senate.
“Out of respect for Senate leadership, my Republican colleagues and the entire Kansas Senate, I have decided to transfer the bulk of the formal duties of my office to the Assistant Majority Leader,” Suellentrop said in a statement. “I will do so until matters that I am currently dealing with are resolved.”[17]
Suellentrop was charged on March 26, 2021, with fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officers by engaging in reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, reckless driving, improper crossover on a divided highway, and maximum speed limits.[18]
An affidavit submitted by the arresting officer was released on April 8 that stated Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, over twice the legal limit. The affidavit also said that Suellentrop taunted the Highway Patrol officer. Members of the Republican caucus in the Kansas State Senate voted to remove Suellentrop as majority leader on April 9. The caucus vote was 22-4 following the release of the affidavit.[19]
At a hearing on October 25, 2021, Suellentrop entered a no contest plea to two misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving. Suellentrop was required to serve 48 hours in the Shawnee County Jail, beginning Nov. 18. Judge Jason Geier also ordered Suellentrop to serve one year of probation, participate in eight therapy sessions, and take a substance abuse class.[20]
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Endorsements
Suellentrop was endorsed by:
- Kansans for Liberty[21]
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Kansas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023
In 2023, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 9 to April 28.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on a variety of issues of interest to the organization.
- Legislators are scored on their support for bills that the organization lists as promoting "individual liberty, limited government, free markets and student-focused education."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2022, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 10 to May 23.
|
2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2021, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 11 to May 26.
|
2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2020, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 13 to May 21. A special session convened from June 3 to June 4.
|
2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2019, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 14 through May 29.
|
2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2018, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 8 through April 7.
|
2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2017, the Kansas State Legislature was in session from January 9 through June 26.
|
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
As of this writing, Suellentrop had a wife, Christine.[22]
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Kansas Office of the Governor, "Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement on House and Senate Leadership Election Results," December 7, 2020
- ↑ KSN, "Kansas senator released early from DUI probation, leaving Senate," November 28, 2022
- ↑ Vote Smart, "Gene Suellentrop's Biography," accessed February 27, 2020
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "Candidate list," accessed August 23, 2016
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "2016 General Election official results," accessed December 19, 2016
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kansas Secretary of State, "Candidate list," accessed June 3, 2016
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kansas Secretary of State, "2016 Official Kansas Primary Election Results," accessed September 12, 2016
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "2014 Primary Election - Official Vote Totals," accessed September 15, 2014
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "2014 General Election - Official Vote Totals," accessed April 17, 2015
- ↑ C-SPAN, "Kansas - Summary Vote Results," accessed August 7, 2012
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "2012 General Election - Official Vote Totals," accessed March 31, 2014
- ↑ Kansas Secretary of State, "2010 General Election - Official Vote Totals," accessed March 29, 2014
- ↑ Gene Suellentrop, "On the Issues," accessed June 15, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ AP, "Judge orders release of Kansas Senate leader after arrest," March 16, 2021
- ↑ The Kansas City Star, "Kansas Senate GOP leader booked into jail, released, on allegations of DUI, fleeing officer," March 16, 2021
- ↑ KMBC, "Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop temporarily steps down after DUI arrest," March 17, 2021
- ↑ WIBW, "Sen. Majority Leader’s next court appearance for DUI/fleeing set for June 3," March 30, 2021
- ↑ AP News, "GOP ousts Kansas Senate leader charged with DUI from post," April 9, 2021
- ↑ Kansas Reflector, "Kansas senator makes plea deal in DUI case after driving wrong direction on I-70," October 25, 2021
- ↑ Kansans for Liberty
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed June 2, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Kansas State Senate District 27 2017-2023 |
Succeeded by Chase Blasi (R) |
| Preceded by - |
Kansas House of Representatives District 91 2009-2017 |
Succeeded by - |
