KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two teens from Wichita and one from Shawnee Mission North High School all have prom to prepare for this year, classes like AP Physics to tackle ... oh, and they are all running for governor of Kansas.
“I just believe in going about this realistically and pragmatically and doing whatever will best benefit the people in this state,” said Tyler Ruzich, a junior at Shawnee Mission North High School.
He and 17-year-old Ethan Randleas from Wichita are Republican candidates for governor of Kansas.
“'Oh, they're just 17 and trying to get attention.' No, we're real. We want to win,” said Randleas.
In Kansas there are no requirements to run for office. You just have to pay about $2,400 to get your name on the ballot.
“So, if you're going to vote for someone that said, you know, 'Let's drain the swamp, let's get money out of politics, do this, get this done,' [then] that's something I can stand for, seeing as how I am a complete outsider here," said Randleas.
We asked the kids what theirs goals were for this election and beyond.
“Being realistic and pragmatic about how we are governing this state and making sure that we don't have so many budget shortfalls, but rather a consistent flow of tax revenue where we can fund programs like KanCare, Medicaid and education,” said Ruzich.
Jack Bergeson, a 16-year-old from Wichita, is also running for governor. He'll be on the ballot as a democrat.
The teens agree: Even if none of them make it to the governor’s mansion, the real win is getting young people involved in the voting process.
“Actually, being a voter and getting younger people involved is my message," said Ruzich. "Even if I don't get elected. If I lose in the primary or in the general election, I can still win this election without getting elected because my message will continue on.”
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