Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the Republican nominee for governor, will make a ban on transgender athletes competing in women and girls’ sports an early priority if elected, saying Thursday he would push for the Legislature to pass it within the first 100 days of taking office. Lawmakers have passed the ban, called the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by supporters, twice in the past two years. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who Schmidt will face in the Nov. 8 election, vetoed the measure both times. The legislation has sharply divided lawmakers, with opponents warning it will increase bullying of transgender children. They say it amounts to a solution in search of a problem, pointing to policies already put in place by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the NCAA. But proponents, including Schmidt, maintain a state law is necessary to preserve a level playing field within youth and collegiate sports. They contend transgender athletes hold a competitive...