Kansas Governor: Check Current Name, Party, Term Limits and Prior Public Experience

Kansas, located in the heart of the American Midwest, is known for its great plains, farming communities, and political history. Kansas became the 34th state in 1861 and was at the center of the abolition movement during the Civil War, earning the name “Bleeding Kansas” for the early violence surrounding statehood and slavery. The state is still a major player in the agriculture sector throughout the U.S., producing about 2 billion bushels of wheat, 600 million bushels of corn, and raising over 6 million head of cattle.

 Politically, the state is long known for its conservative values and being a Republican stronghold, but, at times, has given way to Democratic leadership, including Kelly, reflecting the state's active electorate. As of 2025, Kansas is being run by Laura Kelly, Democrat, and is in her second term. The state's combination of traditional rural values and innovative industry continues to shape the ever-evolving identity of Kansas.

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Kansas Governor: Laura Jeanne Kelly

 Laura Jeanne Kelly is the 48th and incumbent governor of Kansas, having taken office on January 14, 2019. Kelly is a member of the Democratic Party, was reelected to a second term in 2022, and is term-limited with her gubernatorial term due to expire in January 2027.

 Kelly served as a member of the Kansas State Senate from 2005–2019, where she was an active participant in budget and health policy matters. Kelly was also the executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. During her first term as governor of Kansas, Kelly has taken on education funding, tax relief, Medicaid expansion, investment in rural communities, and access to childcare. 

Kelly is the first Democrat to lead performance in traditionally Republican state, and she has built a measure of respect from both parties for her steady and pragmatic hand, plans for service delivery, and commitment to sustainability and responsible spending.

Party and Term Limits

Laura Kelly is a member of the Democratic Party, and that is noteworthy in a state like Kansas, which has a history of Republican leadership. Her election and re-election represent her success in winning over moderate and independent voters. 

Under Kansas law, a governor can serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms. Kelly is in her second four-year term, which began in January 2023. She will not have the opportunity to run for re-election in 2026. 

Her time in office has been primarily dedicated to trying to collaborate across the aisle with a legislature dominated by the opposing party, so her tenor can be defined as one of compromise, reasoned dialogue, and stable governance.

Prior Public Experience 

Prior to becoming governor, Laura Kelly served in the Kansas State Senate from 2005 to 2019, representing the 18th District. During her time in the Legislature, she had held a variety of leadership positions, including Minority Whip and Ranking Member on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where she covered budget, education, and public health issues. 

Before entering politics, Kelly spent time in therapeutic recreation, as well as serving for over a decade as the Executive Director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. Her background in public health and recreation contributed to a longstanding interest in community wellness, education, and support of families - priorities she brought with her as governor.