Sam Brownback, who was named a U.S. ambassador on Wednesday, today sent in his resignation as governor, effective at 3 p.m. Jan. 31.
Brownback will become the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, a post confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.
Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer will become governor on Jan. 31. The office of governor is up for election later this year.
In a letter to the Kansas secretary of state, Brownback stated:
“It has been a great honor to serve Kansans as their Governor since 2011, and prior to that as United States Senator and Congressman. As a lifelong Kansan, I have been privileged to serve and represent my fellow citizens for most of my adult life. Kansas is a great place to raise a family, get a job, or start a business, and I will always be proud to call it my home.
“I look forward to continuing in public service as the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a position for which I was nominated by the President in July and confirmed by the Senate yesterday. Wherever my new duties may take me, my Kansas values and experience will always travel with me.
“In the interest of facilitating a smooth transition pursuant to Article 1, Section 11 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby resign the office of Governor of the State of Kansas, effective at 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2018. I extend my best wishes to Lieutenant Governor Colyer as he assumes this office, and I have every confidence that he will serve the state well.
“Thank you to the people of Kansas for this opportunity to serve, and may God bless our great state and nation.”