TOPEKA, Kan. — A conservative Kansas House member who left the Democratic Party over social issues has lost her seat two years after becoming a Republican.

State Rep. Jan Pauls lost to fellow Hutchinson resident and Democrat Patsy Terrell in Tuesday’s election in the 102nd District of south-central Kansas. Terrell is a writer and self-employed public relations and social media specialist.

Pauls is a strong opponent of abortion and gay rights. She won her Democratic primary in 2012 by only eight votes, and many Democrats questioned whether she could win another in 2014. She said the Democratic Party grew increasingly hostile to her.

Pauls has served in the House since 1991. In December 2015, House Speaker Ray Merrick named her chairwoman of the House committee that handles legislation on abortion and gay rights.