KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jason Kander, citing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, is dropping out of the Kansas City mayors race.
Kander posted a message on his campaign website and Facebook page saying that in the 11 years since leaving Afghanistan as an Army intelligence officer, he has experienced depression, nightmares and suicidal thoughts.
Instead of dealing with these issues, Ive always tried to find a way around them, Kander said. Most recently, I thought that if I could come home and work for the city I love so much as its mayor, I could finally solve my problems. I thought if I focused exclusively on service to my neighbors in my hometown, that I could fill the hole inside of me. But its just getting worse.
Kanders exit from the campaign to succeed Mayor Sly James upends the crowded race as much as his entrance did in June.
It certainly comes as a surprise, said Quinton Lucas, a Kansas City Council member who is running for mayor. My heart goes out to him. Jason has been a friend for years. I hope its an example other veterans can follow to seek help.
Kander is also stepping back from day-to-day involvement with Let America Vote, a voting rights advocacy organization he founded last year.
His decision to abandon the mayors race appears to have coalesced last week.
Last Tuesday, I found out that we were going to raise more money than any Kansas City mayoral campaign ever has in a single quarter, Kanders announcement said. But instead of celebrating that accomplishment, I found myself on the phone with the (Veterans Affairs) Veterans Crisis Line, tearfully conceding that, yes, I have had suicidal thoughts. And it wasnt the first time.
Kander said he first contacted the VA for help about four months ago.
Kander was seen as the runaway favorite to win the mayors race next April. His entrance into the race caused Jolie Justus, a Kansas City Council member and former Missouri state senator, to pull out of the mayors race and focus on re-election to her 4th District council seat.
He made what Im sure was a difficult decision, but it was also a very courageous, Justus said in a tweet. Im going to take some time to let this settle in and talk to my wife and my friends about whats next for me, but in the meantime Im also going to support Jason.
The immediate repercussions from Kanders withdrawal on the race were not clear on Tuesday.
It will work itself out, Lucas said. For today, Im thinking of Jason.
Filing for the mayors race opens in December and closes in January, giving plenty of time for aspirants to get back into the race.
I feel like if someone has a personal issue, they need to attend to it, said Scott Wagner, a Kansas City Council member running for mayor. If the reason given was true, it shows once again the importance of mental health in dealing with our veterans. I think it takes courage for him to do this.
