Spokeswoman: Sebelius Won’t Run for Senate

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A spokeswoman says departing U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is not considering running for the U.S. Senate.

HHS spokeswoman Dori Salcido said in an email Thursday night to The Associated Press that Sebelius is continuing her work at the federal agency and isn't considering a Senate campaign.

Sebelius announced April 11 that she was stepping down as HHS secretary. President Barack Obama immediately nominated White House budget director Sylvia Mathews Burwell to replace her.

The New York Times reported this week that Sebelius was considering a run for the Senate seat now held by Kansas Republican Pat Roberts. Sebelius is a former two-term Kansas governor.

But Democrats in Kansas were skeptical. State Chairwoman Joan Wagnon said Sebelius had not contacted her or party officials about a run.