Manhattan State Rep. Mike Dodson says he will not seek another term in the statehouse, after giving it considerable thought.
In a statement to News Radio KMAN, Dodson said he has been proud to represent the 67th district with a goal of communicating “widely and honestly across all constituencies and to support legislation that would improve the quality of live for all Kansans and the generations that will come after us.” Dodson goes on to say he has also believed citizens are best served through the introduction of new ideas into the legislature and the vigorous and open debate to craft meaningful bills.
Dodson, a Republican, was elected to the House in 2020, succeeding Tom Phillips, who held the position for about nine years prior to his retirement. Before serving in the House, Dodson was on the Manhattan City Commission from 2015 to 2020, serving two terms as mayor. He also had a decorated 37-year-military career, that saw him rise to the ranks of Lieutenant General in the Army, serving as commander of the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2000 to 2001 and as deputy commander of the U.S. Army Europe from 2001 to 2003.
Dodson, who is 78, says with the exception of 10 years after his retirement from the Army, he has been in military or public service since 1966 and looks forward to spending more time with family.
