MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A Kansas state representative is calling on Gov. Laura Kelly to address allegations of misconduct involving his predecessor, now serving on the Kansas State Fair Board.
Rep. Kyler Sweely, R-Hutchinson, said in a letter to Kelly on Monday that Jason Probst, acted “highly inappropriately” toward him during the Boots and Bling fundraiser for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation on Saturday. Sweely defeated Probst in the 2024 election for the 102nd District seat. Kelly appointed Probst to the Fair Board on July 7.
“Mr. Probst, visibly intoxicated, made disturbing sexual and homophobic comments toward me in front of attendees, and had to be physically held back due to escalating, aggressive behavior,” Sweely wrote in a statement to Hutch Post on Tuesday.
When asked, Jason Probst replied to the accusations saying in a statement, "Kyler Sweely is doing all he can to deflect from his history of abuse and dishonesty. If his feelings get hurt so easily perhaps public service isn’t for him."
In the letter to Gov. Kelly, Sweely said the encounter was not an isolated incident, claiming it was the second time in the past month that Probst had directed a “rant filled with homophobic comments” at him. He urged the governor to “immediately review this matter and take appropriate action” regarding Probst’s continued role on the board.
Kelly’s office confirmed receipt of Sweely’s letter.