Second teen to join Kansas governor race

When Tyler Ruzich’s history teacher discovered the Shawnee Mission student was running for governor, he made Ruzich give his campaign pitch to the rest of the class.

“They know what capabilities are, not just as a student but as a person,” Ruzich said Tuesday about the impromptu speech he gave his Advanced Placement U.S. History class at Shawnee Mission North High School earlier that day.

Ruzich, who will turn 17 next week, formed a campaign committee this week and intends to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2018. He joins a crowded field of candidates that already includes governor-in-waiting Jeff Colyer, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and one other high school student.

Ruzich said he gained inspiration from Jack Bergeson, the Wichita high school student who received national attention last month when he launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination. The two became friends several years ago on social media and Bergeson encouraged Ruzich to consider a campaign of his own.

“I thought that was just so cool that someone my age was doing that. ... He really started to tell me, well, why aren’t you throwing your hat in the race?” Ruzich said.

Read more at The Kansas City Star