WELLSVILLE – A Wellsville attorney has announced he’s running for the state legislature. Mark Samsel, an attorney at the Lathrop Gage law firm in Johnson County, is seeking the Republican nomination for the 5th Kansas House District, which covers eastern Franklin County, most of Anderson County, southwestern Miami County and part of Linn County. Conservative Republican Kevin Jones, who holds the seat, is seeking the Congressional seat held by Lynn Jenkins, who is stepping down. Samsel is the first person to file for the seat. “There is no greater personal and professional privilege than giving back to the communities and people I love and the neighbors who helped raise me, including the distinct honor of seeking to represent them in Topeka,” Samsel said. He is a graduate of Wellsville High School, Missouri Valley College and the Kansas University school of law. “As a high school athlete, I developed relationships with other players, teachers, and coaches across this region.” he said. Samsel said he is a strong supporter of education, and seeks improvements in the state’s physical and mental health infrastructure. Beyond his legal career, Samsel referees youth and high school basketball and soccer, is a member of the Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation, the KC Sports Commission, and KC Scholars, and he volunteers for youth clinics and the Blue Valley School District’s renowned Center for Advanced Professional Studies. He has been named a Mo/Kan “SuperLawyers Rising Star” since 2014.
Thursday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.
