Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

Name	Laura Kelly
Birth name
Birth date	January 24, 1950
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Laura Jeanne Kelly (born January 24, 1950) is an American politician serving as the 48th Governor of Kansas. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected in 2018 and took office on January 14, 2019. Prior to her governorship, Kelly served in the Kansas Senate from 2005 to 2019, representing the 18th district.

Early Life and Education

Laura Kelly was born in New York City, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and a Master of Science in therapeutic recreation from Indiana University.

Career

Early Career

Before entering politics, Kelly worked in the field of therapeutic recreation, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Her work in this area laid the foundation for her interest in public service and policy.

Kansas Senate

Kelly was first elected to the Kansas Senate in 2004, where she served until 2019. During her tenure, she was known for her work on health care, education, and fiscal responsibility. She served as the ranking minority member on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where she played a key role in budget negotiations.

Governorship

Kelly announced her candidacy for governor in December 2017. In the 2018 election, she defeated Republican candidate Kris Kobach and independent candidate Greg Orman. Her victory was seen as a significant win for the Democratic Party in a traditionally Republican state.

As governor, Kelly has focused on expanding Medicaid, improving the state's education system, and restoring fiscal stability. She has also been involved in efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing measures to protect public health while balancing economic concerns.

Political Positions

Kelly is known for her moderate political stance, often emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. She supports expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, increasing funding for public education, and implementing policies to promote economic growth and job creation.

Personal Life

Laura Kelly is married to Dr. Ted Daughety, a physician specializing in pulmonary and sleep disorders. They have two daughters.

Also see

• Governors of Kansas
• Kansas Senate
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Kris Kobach