Steven Watkins

Steven Charles Watkins Jr. is an American politician and former military officer who served as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from January 2019 until January 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Watkins's tenure in Congress was marked by a competitive electoral landscape and various controversies surrounding his background and campaign. He was succeeded by fellow Republican Jake LaTurner after losing his re-election bid in 2020.

Early life and career

Steven Watkins was born on September 18, 1976, at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His upbringing in a military family likely influenced his later career in the armed forces. He attended high school in Topeka, Kansas, before pursuing higher education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1999. His education at West Point laid the foundation for his military career, which included rigorous training at various military schools. Watkins completed courses in Ranger, Airborne, Sapper, Air Assault, and Pathfinder training, equipping him with a diverse skill set that would serve him well in his military service.

Following his graduation, Watkins was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska in 2000. His military career included a deployment to Afghanistan in 2004, where he served in combat operations in Khost Province and conducted patrols along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. During this time, he rose to the rank of captain, demonstrating leadership and tactical skills in a challenging environment. After five years of active duty with the United States Army, Watkins transitioned to a role as a defense contractor in Afghanistan, beginning in late 2004. His experiences in the military and as a contractor provided him with insights into national security and defense issues.

In addition to his military career, Watkins pursued interests outside of politics and defense. He became involved in dog sledding in Alaska, competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. His participation in this prestigious race included finishing in 58th place in 2015, where he completed the course almost four days behind the leading competitors. However, his attempt to finish the race in 2018 ended prematurely when he dropped out 261 miles from the finish line in Nome. These experiences reflect his adventurous spirit and commitment to challenging himself in various arenas.

Watkins's life took a significant turn when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2013, which he later connected to his military service. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) nearly a decade prior, experiences that he described as pivotal in shaping his perspective on life and his eventual foray into politics. The challenges he faced due to his injuries propelled him toward a desire for a more conventional life, ultimately leading him to seek public office.

House tenure

Watkins's political career began in earnest when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. His campaign was notable for the involvement of his father, a physician who established a political action committee (PAC) to support his son's candidacy. The PAC made substantial advertising purchases during the primary, which helped elevate Watkins's profile among voters. Despite facing skepticism from local Republican leaders regarding his background, Watkins secured victory in the primary election with 26.5% of the vote, defeating six other candidates. His family's financial backing played a significant role in his campaign, with the PAC reportedly spending over $710,000 to support his candidacy.

The general election campaign against Democratic candidate Paul Davis was characterized as one of the most negative and competitive races in the country. The candidates engaged in debates where they discussed key issues such as Social Security and immigration. Watkins expressed support for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, framing it as a common-sense approach rather than a reflection of negative sentiments. The campaign was further complicated by controversies surrounding Watkins's background, including questions about his residency in Kansas and allegations regarding his past conduct.

Watkins's campaign faced scrutiny from various media outlets, which raised concerns about the accuracy of claims he made regarding his background. For instance, a story published by the Associated Press questioned details of his experiences, including a disputed assertion about his leadership on Mount Everest following a natural disaster. Additionally, allegations of unwanted sexual advances made against him by a former colleague surfaced during the campaign, which he vehemently denied. These controversies contributed to a challenging electoral environment.

On November 6, 2018, Watkins emerged victorious in the general election, securing his position as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district. His election was part of a broader Republican strategy to maintain control of Congress during a time of heightened political polarization. As a freshman member of Congress, Watkins faced the task of navigating the complexities of legislative responsibilities while addressing the concerns of his constituents.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Watkins served on several committees that aligned with his interests and expertise. His military background and experiences as a defense contractor informed his focus on national security and defense issues. Watkins's legislative agenda included advocating for policies that he believed would enhance the safety and security of the nation, as well as addressing the needs of veterans and active-duty military personnel.

In addition to defense, Watkins was involved in discussions surrounding economic issues, including healthcare spending and social security. He expressed a desire to protect Social Security while advocating for measures to restrict healthcare expenditures. His positions reflected a broader Republican emphasis on fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention in the economy.

Watkins's tenure in Congress was marked by a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in Kansas's 2nd congressional district. He engaged with local leaders and constituents to understand their concerns and priorities. However, his time in office was also characterized by the challenges of navigating a politically charged environment, where partisan divisions often complicated legislative efforts.

Despite his initial electoral success, Watkins faced a difficult re-election campaign in 2020. The political landscape had shifted, and he ultimately lost his bid for a second term. His departure from Congress marked the end of a brief but eventful chapter in his political career, shaped by both his military service and the complexities of contemporary American politics.