SM North Junior Tyler Ruzich has announced his intention to run for Kansas governor in 2018.

Ruzich, a self-described moderate Republican, decided to join the race after befriending Jack Bergeson, a 16-year-old from Wichita who filed papers to become a Democratic candidate. Bergeson knew of Ruzich’s interest in politics and suggested that he launch his own campaign.

“Jack was a big factor in encouraging me to run,” Ruzich said.  

Junior Calvin Tran, Tyler’s running mate and debate partner, was one of the first to hear about Ruzich’s decision.

“It was a bold move, but it wasn’t surprising,” Tran said. “Tyler’s an ambitious guy and he’s really involved in politics.”

Though Ruzich kept the news of his impending candidacy private at first, it wasn’t long before he chose Tran as his running mate.

“I’ve helped him so far with arranging donations and such,” Tran said. “[Running] was his idea, but I’ve started to help him out with the campaign.”

Though his campaign is largely social media based, Ruzich tries to set aside time to go door to door talking to voters about the issues central to his campaign.

“Putting more money into public education, increasing the corporate tax rate, cutting the sales tax rate, pushing for an independent Supreme Court,” Ruzich said. “Decriminalizing marijuana is an issue that would be important to me as well.”

Despite recent comments from Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach encouraging an age restriction for gubernatorial candidacy, Ruzich does not feel this hinders his chances of being elected.

“Age is just a number in this race,” Ruzich said. “I have a lot of new ideas, I want to be a public servant, and I want to work for the common good. I don’t see lack of experience as an issue.”

Despite the candidate’s young age, history teacher Kayte Cormack says Ruzich is well-informed about voter registration and other aspects of politics.

“I think it’s awesome that he’s making people aware of how our political system works,” Cormack said. “We talk about how any one of you could be president someday, but it’s way more tangible when one of you is running for governor.”

Candidates must make it through the Republican primary on Aug. 7 to be included in the general election on Nov. 6, 2018. For Ruzich and Tran, this is a time of campaigning and planning for the possibility that they might take office next year.

“I’m taking it very seriously,” Ruzich said. “I’m in it to win it.”