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Steven Charles Watkins Jr. (born September 18, 1976) is an American politician and former military officer. He served as the U.S. representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from 2019 to 2021. He is a member of the Republican Party, and was succeeded by Jake LaTurner. He earned degrees from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), and Harvard.[1]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Born on September 18, 1976, at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas,[2][3] Watkins attended high school in Topeka, Kansas and left to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, graduating in 1999.[4]

Watkins is a graduate of the following military schools: Ranger, Airborne, Sapper, Air Assault, and Pathfinder. He was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska in 2000. He saw combat in 2004 in Khost Province and conducted combat patrols on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, attaining the rank of captain. He began running dogs in Alaska in 2000, and competed in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.[5][better source needed] He finished in 58th place in 2015, ninth from last, and almost four days behind the top three mushers. He did not finish the race in March 2018, having dropped out at Unalakleet, 261 miles (420 km) from the finish in Nome.[6][7][8]

Watkins spent five years on active duty with the United States Army. After this, he began working as a defense contractor in Afghanistan, beginning in late 2004. In a 2015 Washington Post interview, he said he had suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2013, and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder almost a decade prior. He told reporters his injury was a "tipping point" propelling him in the direction of "a more conventional life".[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

[edit]

Elections

[edit]

2018

[edit]
See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Kansas § District 2

Watkins' father, a physician, set up a political action committee (PAC) to underwrite his son's primary campaign. It made two initial $64,000 advertising purchases during the primary.[9][10] Local Republican Party leaders expressed concerns about Watkins' background. Kansas state Senator Steve Fitzgerald, a primary candidate, noted that Watkins had never voted in Kansas until a recent local election.[11] In July, Donald Trump's 2020 campaign manager, Brad Parscale, stated that Watkins and a second candidate for the seat, Dennis Pyle, had put out campaign ads with Trump's photo on them, without authorization, to imply that they had been endorsed by the president.[12] Watkins was endorsed by U.S. Representative Roger Marshall from Kansas Congressional District 1.[11]

Watkins won the primary with 26.5% of the vote, defeating six other candidates. His family's Super PAC had spent $710,010 supporting his candidacy, and $35,860 opposing Caryn Tyson, the Parscale-endorsed primary candidate who finished second.[10][12]

Watkins' first freshman portrait

In October 2018, the Associated Press published a story questioning a number of details of Watkins' claimed background, including a debunked assertion which he had made on his website that he had been praised by outfitter Guy Cotter for his leadership among climbers on Mount Everest after the Nepal earthquake. Cotter claimed that he had never made the statement,[13] and the assertion was removed from Watkins's website after the story was published.[6] A New Zealand Herald story indicated that Watkins was 600 meters above the South Base Camp when the latter was hit by a deadly landslide and avalanche.[14]

Five weeks before the 2018 general election, the Kansas City Star reported that Watkins had claimed to have established a corporation when he had actually only consulted with the corporation long after it had been incorporated.[15] Watkins' campaign described the accusations as "fake news", and Watkins himself called them "baseless opinions from people who don't know me".[16][17]

Watkins's residence in Kansas was disputed due to his supposed residence in Alaska.[18] Watkins owned two homes in Alaska, but did not own a home in Kansas.[19] Also, he had applied for the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend (a payment to those who say they plan to live in the state indefinitely have maintained residence for one year) 11 times. An open letter signed by local GOP leaders expressing concern regarding Watkins's absence from his district was made public days before the seven-way primary.[18] According to the Associated Press, "public records show the 42-year-old Army veteran hadn’t lived in Kansas since he left high school — nearly two decades before returning to the state last year to run for Congress".[13]

Watkins's 2018 general election campaign against moderate Democrat Paul Davis was described in the U.S. News & World Report as "one of the most negative and competitive congressional races in the country".[20] The candidates debated on October 3, agreeing on a need to protect Social Security, but disagreeing on immigration. Watkins said he was in favor of Trump's proposed border wall, saying, "That doesn't make us mean-spirited or the racist bigots that some leftists would have you believe. It's just common sense." He called for restricting health care spending, but protecting Social Security.[4][21] On October 6, 2018, President Trump spoke at a rally in Topeka, Kansas in favor of Watkins and gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach, who later lost. Trump said that voting for Davis "is a vote for the radical agenda" of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer and "the legendary Maxine Waters," a California congresswoman. The paper wrote that "even a moment's attention from the president was the best thing that could have happened to [Watkins'] campaign."[22]

In October 2018, Chelsea Scarlett, an Alaska resident who had worked on the same military base as Watkins, accused Watkins of making unwanted sexual advances. Scarlett said she did not file a complaint at the time of the incident in 2006 for fear of losing her job. Watkins denied the allegations with the response: "These charges are so preposterous they don't deserve the dignity of a response or publication, but Republicans face this kind of assault from the media every day."[23][24][25]

On November 6, 2018, Watkins defeated Davis by 0.8 percentage points, taking all but the two most populous and urbanized counties – Shawnee (home to Topeka) and Douglas (home to Lawrence) – which Davis won by wide margins.[26]

2020

[edit]
See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Kansas § District 2

In 2019, Republican leaders searched for a primary opponent to run against Watkins in 2020. Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer urged State Treasurer Jake LaTurner to drop his U.S. Senate candidacy and instead run for the District 2 seat. Colyer noted that LaTurner had $470,000 in his campaign treasury, while Watkins, a "vulnerable" candidate, had only $260,000 remaining in his. Watkins stated that the party's misgivings about his candidacy were due to his "outsider" status.[27] After dropping out of the 2020 U.S. Senate race, LaTurner opted to challenge Watkins instead.[28]

On August 4, 2020, Watkins—who had been hit with felony voter fraud charges the previous month[29]—lost the Republican primary to LaTurner.[30] LaTurner went on to defeat Democratic Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla in the November 3 general election.[31]

Tenure

[edit]

According to a letter filed with the FEC, Watkins forgave $225,100 that he had loaned his campaign in 2018. His personal loans represented much of what he had declared as his wealth that year.[32]

On October 23, 2019, Watkins was one of about thirty House Republicans that intruded upon that day's confidential hearing in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) where Republican and Democratic congressional members had been taking testimony from Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper.[33][34] Watkins had permission to enter the secure room as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "As one of the few Members allowed in Schiff’s secret bunker, I'm proud to support my colleagues who entered the SCIF (sensitive compartmented information facility) today in search of transparency and due process amid Schiff's Kangaroo court," said Watkins.[35] House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson wrote to the House Sergeant-at-Arms about Jordan and others, requesting that he take action regarding their "unprecedented breach of security". South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham admonished his House colleagues for their tactic, calling them "nuts" for having made a "run on the SCIF".[36][37] The disruption delayed Cooper's testimony by many hours.[38]

Between October 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, Watkins spent $400,000 in taxpayer-funded radio ads and mailed communications to his constituents. That compares to $33,000 spent on franking in the same period by Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the adjacent Third Congressional District, and the other two Kansas Republican congressmen, $75,000 for Roger Marshall, and $100,000 for Ron Estes in the same period. The total did not include the cost of radio spots that ran frequently in the second quarter of 2020.[39]

In 2020, the FEC reviewed campaign contributions made by Watkins' father and investigated the role the Watkins family's money played in Watkins's election. Watkins Sr. had contributed $765,000 into a PAC funding the 2018 race.[40]

Committee assignments

[edit]

Watkins' Committee assignments are,[41]

  • Foreign Affairs
    • Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism
  • Education & Labor
    • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
    • Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment
  • Veteran Affairs
    • Subcommittee on Technology Modernization
    • Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs

Allegations of voter fraud

[edit]

In December 2019, Watkins was accused of voter fraud and election perjury after the Topeka address he listed as his place of residency on his voter registration turned out to be a UPS Store. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay and county sheriff Brian Hill investigated whether Watkins had broken state law.[42] According to State Rep. Blake Carpenter (R-Derby), "Unless I'm mistaken, no one can live at a UPS store. It cannot be a place of residence. This person undoubtedly voted in an election in November for candidates that he had no constitutional right to vote for. This is wrong and illegal. No one should be above the law."[19]

Watkins' chief of staff denied criticism by stating that the issue as an overreaction to a simple mistake: "He just filed it incorrectly. I think that’s a little ludicrous,"[19] while Watkins said they were "very suspicious" and said he looked forward to clearing his name; he added, "This is clearly hyper-political. It comes out moments before our first debate and three weeks before the election. I haven't done anything wrong."[43] Days later, Watkins stepped down from his assigned congressional committees.[44]

On July 14, 2020 moments before the only televised debate, Kagay charged Watkins with "interference with law enforcement, providing false information; voting without being qualified; unlawful advance voting; and failing to notify the DMV of change of address". Three of the alleged offenses were felonies, while the other was a misdemeanor.[45][43] Watkins is alleged to have voted unlawfully in a November 2019 Topeka City Council race and to have attempted to mislead a sheriff's detective.[46]

In March 2021, Watkins agreed to enter a diversion program and defer prosecution for six months; if he successfully completes the program the charges will be dropped. "I regret the error in my voter registration paperwork that led to these charges", he said. "I fully cooperated from the beginning and had no intent to deceive any one, at any time." Since 2021, all charges against Watkins have been dismissed.[47]

Personal

[edit]

Watkins was married to Fong Liu, an obstetrician/gynecologist.[48]

Electoral history

[edit]
Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Steve Watkins 20,052 26.5
Republican Caryn Tyson 17,749 23.5
Republican Kevin Jones 11,201 14.8
Republican Steve Fitzgerald 9,227 12.2
Republican Dennis Pyle 9,126 12.1
Republican Doug Mays 6,221 8.2
Republican Vernon J. Fields 1,987 2.6
Total votes 75,563 100.0
Kansas' 2nd congressional district, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Steve Watkins 126,098 47.6
Democratic Paul Davis 123,859 46.8
Libertarian Kelly Standley 14,731 5.6
Total votes 264,688 100.0
Republican hold
Republican primary results, 2020
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jake LaTurner 46,040 49.1%
Republican Steve Watkins (incumbent) 31,934 34.1%
Republican Dennis Taylor 15,772 16.8%
Total votes 93,746 100.0%

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Watkins

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steven Charles Watkins Jr. (born September 18, 1976) is an American politician, former military officer, and business advisor who served as the U.S. Representative for from 2019 to 2021. A Republican, Watkins won election in as a political newcomer, defeating Democratic nominee Paul Davis in an upset victory for the open seat. His congressional tenure was marked by service on the House Armed Services and Education and Labor Committees, as well as bipartisan efforts such as co-introducing to expand access in rural and underserved areas. However, Watkins faced significant controversies, including felony charges for voter related to illegal voting in 2019 municipal elections—stemming from registering at a address—which he resolved through a pretrial diversion agreement avoiding prosecution. He also encountered a investigation into potential improper campaign donations facilitated by his father and allegations of sexual misconduct raised during his campaign. These issues contributed to his primary defeat in , ending his time in ; afterward, he transitioned to roles as a lobbyist and mergers-and-acquisitions advisor. Prior to , Watkins pursued an adventurous career as an and combat veteran deployed to , an Iditarod racer, and a summiteer.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Steven Charles Watkins Jr. was born on September 18, 1976, at in , . He spent much of his childhood and formative years in , attending Topeka West High School, from which he graduated. Watkins was raised in a professional family; his father, Steven Watkins Sr., practiced as a physician in Topeka. The family's long-term residence in the area contributed to Watkins' roots in the community, with local observers noting the Watkins household as representative of traditional values.

Academic and Formative Experiences

Watkins graduated from Topeka West High School in , in 1994. He then attended the at , earning a degree in in 1999. The academy's curriculum, combining rigorous engineering education with military training, instilled discipline, leadership principles, and a commitment to service that influenced his subsequent career trajectory. Following his commissioning into the U.S. Army, Watkins pursued advanced studies, obtaining a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006. He later completed graduate studies at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at in 2012. These programs equipped him with expertise in policy, technology, and strategic analysis, reflecting a deliberate effort to blend technical proficiency with orientation amid his active-duty obligations.

Military Service

Enlistment and Deployments

Watkins was appointed to the at West Point, from which he graduated in 1999 with a degree and was commissioned as a in the U.S. Army. His active-duty service spanned from July 1999 to March 2004, during which he attained the rank of and qualified as an airborne ranger. Watkins deployed to as part of his service. Official records confirm his overall tenure extended through 2005, potentially including reserve obligations following .

Awards, Claims, and Post-Service Reflections

Watkins completed the U.S. and earned the , along with qualifications in Airborne, , , and Pathfinder training during his service. He deployed to for six months as a , volunteering to extend his service for the assignment at in , where he conducted combat patrols along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Public records do not detail specific combat decorations such as the Bronze Star Medal, though Watkins has stated he received multiple awards from the military during his service. He has described himself as a combat veteran shaped by frontline experience in volatile regions, emphasizing leadership in war zones as a foundation for his later career and political outlook. During his 2018 congressional campaign, opponents challenged aspects of his broader resume, including post-military contracting roles and adventure exploits, but military records corroborated his active-duty deployment and qualifications without evidence of falsified service claims. Following his honorable discharge in March 2004, Watkins transitioned to defense contracting in and , scaling operations amid ongoing conflicts, which he later cited as building on his military-honed skills in high-risk environments. In reflections shared during his campaign and public profiles, he portrayed his service as transformative, volunteering for deployment to gain direct operational insight and crediting it with instilling resilience tested in pursuits like the Iditarod, though he limited details on specific incidents to protect operational security. Watkins has invoked his experiences to advocate for robust national defense policies, arguing that firsthand exposure to asymmetric threats underscores the need for strategic vigilance against adversaries.

Pre-Political Career

Emergency Management and Business Ventures

Following his military discharge, Steve Watkins worked for approximately 10 years as an independent security contractor in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. In this capacity, he was employed by Versar Inc., a global project management firm specializing in environmental and defense services, beginning operations in Iraq in 2004 as part of a core team that included three other leaders. Watkins has described himself as the founder and builder of a small business in the , specifically citing VIAP Inc., a wholly owned of Versar focused on international advisory and in conflict zones. However, VIAP predated his tenure, having been established years earlier, and Versar's at the time attributed the 's expansion from a handful of employees to several hundred to other personnel rather than Watkins. No indicate Watkins held an ownership stake in VIAP or Versar, and he acknowledged the description of his role as inaccurate during his 2018 campaign. Beyond contracting, Watkins identified as a owner, citing experiences with regulatory burdens and economic challenges in high-risk environments that shaped his perspectives on job creation and .

Civic and Professional Engagements

Watkins engaged in professional work as a defense contractor and consultant in and after his , beginning in late 2004. During his 2018 campaign, he described founding and building a company from scratch in the region to provide services amid conflict, but he later conceded this characterization was inaccurate, clarifying that he had joined an established firm rather than starting one. These roles involved advisory and operational support in high-risk environments, drawing on his prior experience as an Army combat medic. Public records reveal limited documented civic engagements in prior to his political entry, with no prominent affiliations to local organizations, boards, or volunteer initiatives identified in contemporaneous reporting. His professional focus remained oriented toward international contracting rather than domestic community or nonprofit involvement in Topeka, where he resided after returning stateside.

Political Campaigns

2018 Congressional Election

In the Republican primary for Kansas's 2nd congressional district on August 7, 2018, Steve Watkins, a political newcomer and Army veteran, secured the nomination in a crowded seven-candidate field with 20,052 votes, representing 26.5% of the total. His closest competitor, Caryn Tyson, received 17,749 votes or 23.5%, while other candidates including Kevin Jones (14.8%), Steve Fitzgerald (12.2%), Dennis Pyle (12.1%), Doug Mays (8.2%), and Vernon Fields (2.6%) trailed. The open seat, vacated by retiring incumbent , drew multiple entrants, with Watkins positioning himself as an outsider emphasizing military service and opposition to career politicians. Watkins advanced his campaign through inclusion in the National Republican Congressional Committee's Young Guns program on August 22, 2018, which provided strategic support for competitive races. headlined a fundraiser for him on October 19, 2018, bolstering Republican backing in the competitive district. The race against Democratic nominee Paul Davis, a former state House who won his primary unopposed with 100% of the vote, focused on economic issues, healthcare, and , with both candidates trading attacks on each other's records. Democratic-aligned groups aired ads questioning Watkins' credibility, including claims of embellished exploits, though these did not prevent his momentum. On November 6, 2018, Watkins narrowly defeated Davis and Libertarian Kelly Standley in the general , capturing 126,098 votes or 47.6% to Davis's 123,859 votes (46.8%) and Standley's 14,731 (5.6%), a margin of 2,239 votes. The victory preserved Republican control of the district despite national Democratic gains in the midterms and polls predicting a tighter contest. Late in the campaign, on October 26, 2018, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported allegations of against Watkins by a former volunteer, which he denied as politically motivated smears. Davis conceded the following day, marking Watkins' entry to .

2020 Primary and General Election

Watkins sought re-election to Kansas's 2nd congressional district in 2020, facing a Republican primary challenge amid ongoing scrutiny of his personal and campaign conduct. The primary ballot included Watkins, state Treasurer Jake LaTurner, and businessman Dennis Taylor. On July 14, 2020, Shawnee County prosecutors charged Watkins with three felony counts of voter fraud and one misdemeanor count of unlawful voting, stemming from his use of a UPS Store mailbox address as his residence on a 2019 Topeka municipal election voter registration form. Watkins maintained the charges were politically motivated and denied any intent to deceive, asserting the address was a temporary mailing location while he established residency in the district. The allegations, filed days before a televised primary debate, led House Republican leadership to remove Watkins from his committee assignments pending resolution, and the House Ethics Committee subsequently launched an investigation into his conduct. The August 4, 2020, Republican primary resulted in a decisive defeat for Watkins, who received 34% of the vote compared to LaTurner's 49% and Taylor's 17%. Despite an endorsement from President , Watkins conceded the race that evening, citing the charges and other attacks as factors but expressing optimism for future opportunities. LaTurner advanced to the general election against Democratic nominee Michelle De La Isla, defeating her on November 3, 2020, to succeed Watkins in the . Watkins did not participate in the general election following his primary loss.

Congressional Service

Committee Roles and Assignments

Upon assuming office in the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019, Steve Watkins was assigned to the House Committee on and Labor, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. These assignments aligned with his background as an veteran and his campaign emphases on , veterans' issues, and workforce development. Watkins participated in committee activities, including hearings and markup sessions, through mid-2020. For instance, he testified before the on trade matters despite not being a formal member, reflecting involvement in related policy areas. On the Committee, he contributed to oversight efforts, as evidenced by his inclusion in membership rosters for subcommittee deliberations. On July 17, 2020, Watkins voluntarily relinquished his committee seats amid felony charges in related to irregularities, following initial resistance to Republican leadership's expectations under party rules for members facing such indictments. This action complied with House GOP guidelines requiring temporary withdrawal from assignments pending resolution of charges carrying potential sentences of two or more years, though Watkins maintained his innocence and continued serving in the full House until the end of his term.

Legislative Priorities and Voting Record

Watkins prioritized legislation supporting and veterans, reflecting his background as an officer. He sponsored H.R. 6060, the Veterans Burial Benefit Correction Act, to address eligibility issues for burial benefits, and H.R. 5537, the Conan Commemorative Coin Act, honoring a working dog killed in action in 2019. These efforts aligned with broader focuses on armed forces and , comprising 43% of his sponsored bills' issue areas. Kansas-specific initiatives included H.R. 1061, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, to expand protections for a Civil War-era site, and measures designating historic trails like the Chisholm National Historic Trail. He also advanced conservative social policies, cosponsoring H.R. 4800, the Pro-LIFE Act, to prohibit transactions involving human fetal tissue. Overall, Watkins sponsored 26 bills during the 116th Congress, with one enacted into law, emphasizing national security, civil liberties, and finance sectors. His voting record demonstrated strong attendance, missing only 1.3% of 954 votes, surpassing the median member's rate. Watkins generally adhered to Republican positions, voting yea on the (H.R. 133), a $2.3 trillion omnibus package funding government operations and relief. He supported targeted pandemic aid via the and Enhancement Act but opposed broader measures, such as nay votes on certain spending bills. On social issues, he backed H.R. 962, the , aligning with pro-life stances. Environmentally, his lifetime score of 8% indicated opposition to green energy and climate measures.

Major Controversies

Scrutiny of Military and Adventure Claims

Watkins' military service records confirm he graduated from the at West Point in 1999, served five years on active duty in the U.S. Army, attained the rank of , qualified as an airborne ranger, and deployed for approximately six months to in 2004, where he was stationed at . He later worked as a defense contractor in beginning in late 2004, sustaining injuries including a and PTSD diagnosis in 2013. No verified evidence emerged of fabricated achievements or stolen valor during campaign scrutiny, though Watkins described himself as a combat based on his deployment and contractor experiences in war zones. His post-military contractor role involved leadership in high-risk environments, but details remained limited; Watkins touted "war-zone leadership" in campaign materials while declining to elaborate on specifics of his 2013 injury sustained as a contractor. Greater scrutiny focused on Watkins' adventure exploits, portrayed as emblematic of resilience and outsider ethos during his 2018 congressional bid. Regarding a 2015 Mount Everest expedition amid Nepal's earthquake, his campaign website attributed a quote to outfitter Guy Cotter praising Watkins' "heroic leadership," but Cotter disavowed it, stating the group was stranded high on the mountain with minimal capacity to assist and no such leadership occurred. The quote was removed following Associated Press inquiries; Watkins responded that it captured the "sentiment" from prior discussions with Cotter. Watkins' participation in the drew criticism as a publicity-driven endeavor rather than genuine commitment. He completed the 2015 race in 58th place out of 78 finishers but withdrew from the 2018 event after 11 days, prompting accusations from mushers like Jeff King and Tara Cicatello that he neglected dog welfare in favor of campaign visibility. Watkins countered that 2018 represented his final opportunity to compete. Relatedly, Watkins claimed to have founded and expanded a Middle East-based defense contracting firm from three to 470 employees, but reporting revealed he joined an established entity as a contractor without founding it or owning a controlling stake, though he contributed to product development. He acknowledged inaccuracies in phrasing but maintained the growth narrative reflected his operational impact. These revelations, primarily from Associated Press and local investigations, fueled perceptions of embellishment despite Watkins' verified core service and deployments.

Campaign Finance Investigations

The (FEC) initiated an investigation in early 2020 into allegations that Steven C. Watkins Sr., father of Rep. Steve Watkins, made excessive contributions to his son's congressional campaign through straw donors. The probe, designated Matter Under Review (MUR) 7958, centered on claims that Watkins Sr. provided approximately $10,800 to four family members—Caroline Wise, Andrew Wise, Diane Watkins, and Benjamin Knopke—around February 16, , who then donated $2,700 each to the Committee to Elect Steve Watkins between February 21 and March 19, , for the general election cycle. These reimbursements allegedly violated federal limits on individual contributions (capped at $2,700 per election) and prohibitions against contributions made in the name of another, under 52 U.S.C. §§ 30116(a), 30122, and 11 C.F.R. § 110.4(b)(1)(i). Watkins Sr. reportedly learned of the prohibition on June 10, 2018, after which the campaign refunded the contributions. The investigation did not allege direct involvement by Rep. Watkins or his campaign in the reimbursements, focusing instead on the donor's actions. Separately, Watkins' campaign expended nearly $25,000 in legal fees from 2019 onward, though specifics on their relation to this or other matters were not disclosed publicly. The matter concluded on March 16, 2022, when the FEC accepted a pre-probable cause agreement with Watkins Sr., imposing a $4,000 . In the agreement, Watkins Sr. acknowledged providing funds to family members for contributions exceeding legal limits but did not admit to intentional wrongdoing beyond the settlement terms; he also committed to ceasing such practices. No further actions were reported against the campaign or Rep. Watkins in connection with these donations. In August 2019, Steve Watkins signed a voter registration form listing a mailbox in Topeka as his residential address, despite maintaining his primary residence in Wichita. This change enabled him to vote in the October 2019 Topeka municipal elections, including the city council race, though law requires voters to register at their actual place of residence, not commercial postal facilities. The discrepancy came under scrutiny in December 2019 when local media reported the UPS address on his registration and related election documents, prompting an investigation by Shawnee County authorities into potential false statements and illegal voting. On July 14, 2020, Watkins faced three charges—two counts of misuse of information and one count of procuring a vote by providing false information—along with one count of failing to notify of a change in voting residence. Prosecutors alleged that Watkins knowingly used the invalid address and voted in the Topeka election, contradicting his later claims to investigators that a staffer had erroneously completed the forms and that he had not personally cast the . A Shawnee County sheriff's detective detailed inconsistencies, including Watkins' false assertion that he abstained from voting in the local race, as confirmed by voting records. Watkins maintained the errors stemmed from administrative oversights rather than intent to defraud, describing the incident as "a mistake, not a ." The charges led to immediate congressional repercussions, with House Republican leadership requiring Watkins to relinquish his assignments on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, and Climate Crisis committees on July 17, 2020, after initial resistance. In March 2021, following his electoral defeat, Watkins entered a pretrial diversion agreement with Shawnee County prosecutors, avoiding a criminal trial on the felonies by completing probationary conditions, , and restitution, after which the charges would be dismissed. This resolution classified the case as involving false registrations under election integrity tracking, without resulting in a .

Allegations of Personal Misconduct

In October 2018, during his campaign for , Steve Watkins faced allegations of from acquaintances in Topeka. Ellen Backus, a local resident, claimed Watkins confided in her about having an with his wife, Fong Liu, admitting to extramarital affairs that Liu tolerated provided he withheld details due to their . Backus further stated she witnessed Watkins cuddling with another woman at a 2017 party, where the woman echoed that Liu accepted his behavior given their separation. Separately, Chelsea Scarlett, a resident of , alleged that in 2006, while both were at Fort Richardson army base—where Watkins was stationed and Scarlett worked as a contractor—Watkins made unwanted sexual advances toward her. Scarlett described Watkins locking a , touching her inappropriately, and creating an environment where she feared professional repercussions, deterring her from filing a formal at the time. Watkins denied all accusations, labeling them "preposterous" and politically motivated smears timed to disrupt his campaign, drawing parallels to attacks on nominee . His wife, Fong Liu, publicly affirmed his faithfulness, stating the claims were baseless. No formal investigations, lawsuits, or corroborating evidence beyond the accusers' statements emerged, and the allegations did not result in legal action or disciplinary measures.

Post-Congressional Activities

Lobbying and Professional Return

Following his departure from on January 3, 2021, after losing the Republican primary for , Steve Watkins established Huxley Rock LLC in March 2021 as a and firm based in . As CEO, Watkins has provided services including advisory, as well as consulting on Afghan-U.S. issues beginning in January 2021. In August 2023, Watkins registered as a first-time federal under the Lobbying Disclosure Act through Huxley Rock LLC, which the firm had filed as a lobbying entity earlier that year. The firm represented three clients in 2023, focusing on issues such as aircraft certification and reauthorization. One primary client was Radia Inc., a Colorado-based company operating in and sectors, for which Watkins lobbied on aviation-related regulatory matters. Additional clients included Fortress Inc. By late 2023, reports noted Watkins' involvement in lobbying for Radia and at least one other company on FAA reauthorization through arrangements associated with GovBiz Advantage, though filings confirm activity under Huxley Rock. Watkins has continued as CEO, including public speaking engagements on business and policy topics as of 2025.

Ongoing Political Involvement

After departing Congress in January 2021 following his primary defeat, Steve Watkins registered as a federal lobbyist and returned to , to advocate for clients before lawmakers. His lobbying activities, disclosed in late 2023, leverage his congressional experience to influence policy discussions, though specific clients and issues remain centered on professional representation rather than partisan campaigns or party leadership roles. No records indicate Watkins seeking elective office or endorsing candidates in subsequent elections, such as the 2022 congressional race won by LaTurner.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Steve Watkins is married to Fong Liu, with whom he appeared publicly during his 2018 congressional campaign, including on Election Day when they voted together in . The couple has no children. Watkins' father, a Fort Scott businessman, provided significant financial support for his son's political campaigns, including over $400,000 in contributions and loans during the 2018 cycle, though these were later scrutinized by the for potential improprieties. Little public information is available regarding Watkins' mother or extended family relationships.

Public Persona and Interests

Watkins has cultivated a public image as a rugged adventurer and accomplished , emphasizing experiences in extreme outdoor pursuits. His campaign materials described him as an "outsider-adventurer" with a background as an Airborne Ranger and dog musher. This persona highlights and resilience, traits he linked to his and personal challenges. Key interests include dog sledding and competitive , as evidenced by his preparation for the in 2015, where he trained a team of dogs on the original . Watkins expressed ambitions to conquer and participate in the Iditarod, framing these as tests of endurance and determination. These pursuits align with his professional history as an and builder, underscoring a pattern of hands-on, high-stakes endeavors. However, some of Watkins' adventure claims faced scrutiny during his 2018 campaign, with challengers questioning the veracity of specific exploits touted on his website, such as attempts at unprecedented feats in races like the Iditarod. Despite disputes, his public narrative consistently portrays a life oriented toward physical challenge and exploration, distinct from traditional political backgrounds.

References

  1. https://www.congress.gov/member/steve-watkins/W000824
  2. https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/307606/Steven_Charles_Watkins_Jr_.html
  3. https://apnews.com/political-news-general-news-house-elections-united-states-house-of-representatives-34882545094f4e83b9117dba13b6b7e3
  4. https://www.grassociation.org/GRAssociation/SharedContent/EventDisplay.aspx?EventKey=f66c249c-51b5-4be3-8426-588be360ccd4&iSearchResult=true
  5. http://susielee.house.gov/accomplishments/nv03
  6. https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/former-rep-watkins-cuts-deal-to-avoid-prosecution-for-felony-election-fraud/
  7. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steve-watkins-kansas-rep-charged-voter-fraud/
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/steve-watkins-republican-felony-charges-illegal-voting
  9. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/06/steve-watkins-fec-probe-122525
  10. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/10/26/steve-watkins-gop-candidate-for-congress-confronts-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct/9438705007/
  11. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article282846973.html
  12. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/11/07/army-veteran-and-iditarod-racer-joins-contest-2nd-district/16521608007/
  13. https://iditarod.com/race/5/mushers/1006-Steve-Watkins/
  14. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencwatkinsjr
  15. https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/25769805174
  16. https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/fec-reviews-fathers-funds-funneled-to-kansas-rep-watkins/
  17. https://www.cjonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2018/10/30/letter-to-editor-watkins-is-good-man-and-candidate/9412357007/
  18. https://ballotpedia.org/Steve_Watkins
  19. https://apnews.com/united-states-house-of-representatives-house-elections-be1b8901aba5454ca346ea48e5d870f8
  20. https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Pursuit--Peril-The-Steve-Watkins-story-377327581.html
  21. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/10/22/steve-watkins-touts-war-zone-leadership-wont-talk-about-injury-suffered-as-contractor/9489240007/
  22. https://nypost.com/2018/10/02/congressional-candidate-accused-of-lying-about-heroic-past/
  23. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2018/oct/11/democratic-congressional-campaign-committee/kansas-dem-attack-steve-watkins-only-partially-acc/
  24. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article219050510.html
  25. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/09/27/kansas-gop-hopeful-steve-watkins-acknowledges-business-claim-is-inaccurate/9769880007/
  26. https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/midterms/article218735405.html
  27. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Steve_Watkins
  28. https://www.yahoo.com/news/newcomer-faces-republican-backlash-kansas-2nd-house-race-232512829--election.html
  29. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article221143795.html
  30. https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Paul-Davis-concedes-to-Steve-Watkins-499910701.html
  31. https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/04/u-s-house-2nd-district-laturner-crushes-u-s-rep-watkins-in-gop-primary/
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/steve-watkins-voter-fraud-kansas.html
  33. https://thehill.com/homenews/house/511894-ethics-panel-opens-probe-into-rep-watkins-after-voter-fraud-charges/
  34. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2020/07/17/rep-steve-watkins-forced-to/1105808007/
  35. https://news.ballotpedia.org/2020/08/04/laturner-defeats-incumbent-watkins-in-ks-02-gop-primary/
  36. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewsolender/2020/08/04/trump-backed-congressman-charged-with-voter-fraud-loses-primary-in-kansas/
  37. https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403148
  38. https://veterans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2317
  39. https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/news/press-releases/mccaul-announces-republican-subcommittee-leadership-and-membership-rosters-at-116th-committee-organizational-meeting
  40. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP20/20190326/109138/HHRG-116-AP20-Wstate-W000824-20190326.pdf
  41. https://democrats-foreignaffairs.house.gov/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&File_id=AECD401A-8BA7-4BF2-9CCF-3A4D61D29B92
  42. https://rollcall.com/2020/07/17/rep-steve-watkins-gives-up-committee-posts-after-initially-resisting/
  43. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article244299452.html
  44. https://www.wibw.com/2020/07/17/watkins-voluntarily-steps-down-from-committee-assignments/
  45. https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/steven_watkins/412779
  46. https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr4800
  47. https://www.c-span.org/person/steve-watkins/116633/
  48. https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1420802/congressman-steve-watkins-votes-in-support-of-additional-funding-for-hospitals-and-small-businesses
  49. https://heritageaction.com/scorecard/votes/0001
  50. https://www.lcv.org/moc/steven-watkins/
  51. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/10/02/kansas-congressional-candidate-steve-watkins-adventure-claims-challenged/9723753007/
  52. https://apnews.com/c2bebd9ee7043dff01db041cbc610afc
  53. https://www.fec.gov/files/legal/murs/7958/7958_05.pdf
  54. https://www.fec.gov/files/legal/murs/7958/7958_08.pdf
  55. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article238547843.html
  56. https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/search/enforcement/?search=7958
  57. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2019/12/03/us-rep-steve-watkins-tangled-in-voter-fraud-perjury-allegations-for-listing-ups-store-as-residence/2154814007/
  58. https://www.npr.org/2020/07/14/891242761/kansas-rep-steve-watkins-charged-with-felonies-over-voter-registration-at-ups-st
  59. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/14/kansas-gop-rep-watkins-indicted-for-voter-fraud-362072
  60. https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/29/affidavit-rep-steve-watkins-lied-about-address-change-not-voting/
  61. https://www.wibw.com/2020/07/29/newly-released-document-details-voter-fraud-case-against-watkins/
  62. https://thehill.com/homenews/house/509435-gop-rep-wrong-address-on-voter-registration-form-a-mistake-not-a-felony/
  63. https://electionfraud.heritage.org/case/201501
  64. https://www.legistorm.com/pro_news/3097/ex-rep-steve-watkins-registers-as-first-time-lobbyist.html
  65. https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/lobbyist.php?lname=Watkins%252C%2520Steven%2520&id=YX000062271L&year=2023
  66. https://www.legistorm.com/organization/summary/189712/Huxley_Rock_LLC.html
  67. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE5qpCpMxo7/?hl=en
  68. https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/416763-kansas-new-members-2019/
  69. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article214226739.html
  70. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/sports/wp/2015/03/06/healing/
  71. https://www.iolaregister.com/opinion/editorials/steve-watkins-proven-adventurer-gets-mired-in-politics
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