Carl Brewer, former Wichita mayor who ran for Kansas governor in 2018, has died.
Brewer, 63, was Wichita’s first elected African-American mayor, winning election in 2007 and reelected in 2011. Brewer visited Kansas City, Kansas, during his campaign for governor.
His family released a statement today: “Former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer passed away Friday morning. There are no details available for a memorial service at this time but we will provide an update at a future date. The family appreciates the support they have received from the community. They ask for privacy at this time.”
Brewer was a retired engineer from Spirit manufacturing, Wichita. Serving in the Kansas Army National Guard, Brewer was the first African-American president of his officer candidate school class. He was company commander of infantry and artillery companies for the Kansas National Guard.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Carl’s untimely passing this morning,” Gov. Laura Kelly stated in a news release. “Carl was an outstanding mayor, served for more than two decades in the Kansas National Guard, and was a strong supporter of the Kansas Labor community. I have no doubt the impact of his contributions to our state will be felt for generations to come.
“I’m also grateful for his service in my administration, both during our transition, and later when he played an integral role on the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.
“Carl truly embodied all of the best qualities of what it means to be a Kansan, and he will be dearly missed,” Gov. Kelly said.