Gov. Sam Brownback will be nominated to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, according to a news release from The White House.
Brownback has served as governor since 2011. He previously served as a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Representative in the House of Representatives.
The news release says as a senator, Brownback worked on the issue of religious freedom in multiple countries and was a key sponsor of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Brownback tweeted after the announcement.
Religious Freedom is the first freedom. The choice of what you do with your own soul. I am honored to serve such an important cause. -SDB
— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) July 27, 2017
Brownback's communication director, Mileka Willoughby, said he would hold a press conference sometime tomorrow. She also added, "For now, he is still Governor of Kansas."
Brownback is planning a press conference for 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the governor's ceremonial office in the Kansas Capitol building.
If Brownback is appointed to the role and decides to step down as Kansas's governor, Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer will take over. Coyler had yet to comment on the announcement as of Monday evening.
The Kansas Democratic Party sent the following statement to 41 Action News after the announcement:
"Brownback leaving is by no means a saving grace for Kansans.
"Lt. Governor Colyer has been an active and willing participant in the disastrous policies of Sam Brownback.
"The only way to reverse the effects of the Brownback/Colyer Administration is to elect more Democrats next November."
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) sent out a statement congratulating Brownback Monday evening.
"I am very happy for Sam and am proud that he has been selected for this important cause. Sam has always been called to fight for those of all faiths, and I am glad he has been given an opportunity to answer this call. I wish he and Mary all the best in this new chapter of their public service." – Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
According to The State Department's website, The Office of International Religious Freedom "monitors religious persecution and discrimination worldwide, recommends and implement policies in respective regions or countries, and develop programs to promote religious freedom."
