TOPEKA — A.J. Kotich has filed paperwork to appoint a treasurer for an exploratory committee in a potential race for Kansas attorney general. The appointment, announced Thursday in a news release, allows Kotich to raise funds and test the viability of running a statewide campaign.

Kotich, a Democrat, previously has served as chief legal counsel to three state agencies under seven Kansas governors.

“I have over 30 years of exemplary public service, and I want to bring that experience to the office of Kansas Attorney General,” said Kotich. “Kansans need an attorney general with a proven track record.”

Kotich currently work sin private practice and has served as an adjunct professor at local universities for many years.

Should Kotich enter the race, he would face incumbent Republican Derek Schmidt, who has served in the statewide office since 2010.