A Hutchinson man who came within eight votes of winning a primary election for the Kansas House of Representatives has been charged with domestic battery.

Erich Bishop is in the Reno County jail on charges that include battery against a Hutchinson police officer.

Bishop pleaded not guilty during a court appearance last week. A pre-trial hearing is set for Jan. 16.

The 28-year-old Bishop nearly unseated Democratic Rep. Jan Pauls, D-Hutchinson, in the August primary. She won re-election in November.

Police responded to a domestic violence call involving a man and a 48-year-old female victim on Dec. 24. Bishop allegedly kicked a police officer while being arrested. The officer was not seriously hurt.

Bishop is being held on $1,100 bond.