Colyer, formerly of Hays and a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, announced Tuesday he appointed a treasurer for his campaign for the Republican nomination. He said in a statement that he is committed to doing the work necessary to win.
Brownback has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Brownback has not set a date for stepping down as governor.
Both Brownback and Colyer are conservative Republicans who ran together on a single ticket in 2010 and 2014.
The race for the GOP nomination already is crowded with six other candidates that include Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer.