TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Freshman Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall has stepped into the race in a neighboring congressional district by endorsing political newcomer Steve Watkins for the GOP nomination.

The Watkins campaign announced the endorsement Tuesday. The former Army ranger and defense contractor from Topeka is in a seven-person contest in the Aug. 7 primary in the 2nd District of eastern Kansas.

Marshall represents the neighboring 1st District of western and central Kansas and won his seat after defeating former Rep. Tim Huelskamp in the GOP primary in 2016.

The 2nd District seat is open because...