TOPEKA – Gov. Sam Brownback announced today the nomination of state Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, to the Kansas Corporation Commission.

The appointment will require confirmation by the Kansas Senate. If confirmed, Emler will resign his Senate seat.

Emler has represented Senate District 35, which includes Chase, Ellsworth, Marion, McPherson, Morris and portions of Rice and Dickinson counties, since 2001. He served as majority leader January 2011 to 2013 and is an active member of several committees including the Senate Utilities Committee and the Joint Committee on Kansas Security.

“Jay’s leadership in the Senate, his experience working with committees and commissions and his commitment to the people of this State make him a strong addition to the KCC,” Brownback said. “I appreciate his willingness to continue to serve Kansas in this new role.

Emler was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1977 and has experience in telecommunications and business law. He has a farm near Lindsborg and is an active member of his community.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of Kansas,” Emler said. “The KCC plays an important role in protecting the public interest and implementing state policy.”