Kansas Democrat Withdraws From U.S. Senate Race, Upending Contest

Move Could Boost Independent Challenger Vying for Incumbent GOP Sen. Pat Roberts's Seat

 

Facebook

 

Twitter

 

LinkedIn

• smaller
 
• Larger

By 

JANET HOOK And 

MARK PETERS 

CONNECT

Updated Sept. 3, 2014 8:56 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—Upending the U.S. Senate race in Kansas, the Democratic candidate has withdrawn from the contest, leaving Republican Sen. Pat Roberts with a narrowed field and a potentially formidable opponent in an independent candidate.

Democrat Chad Taylor, a county prosecutor, offered no explanation as of Wednesday evening for why he had left the race.

The development may turn the race from a safe contest for Mr. Roberts, who...