Laura Kelly in 2026 KS Governor's race


On Civil Rights: Action has meant building an inclusive government

[On Black History Month]: "There's so much that has happened in Kansas related to Black history. I think it's important that particularly Kansas celebrates it--celebrates it loud and clear and often."

"We must honor that legacy not just with celebration, but with action," she said. "For my administration, action has meant building an inclusive government--one that represents all Kansans and delivers real results."

Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race Feb 18, 2025

On Crime: End statute of limitations for cases of child sexual abuse

Gov. Laura Kelly joined activists and legislators Thursday who reflected on a four-year journey to adoption of a Kansas law ending the statute of limitations on criminal prosecution for alleged child sexual abuse and extending opportunity to file lawsuits in those cases. "It goes to show this is an issue that transcends partisan politics," Kelly said. "This will help get child predators off the streets, make our communities safer and protect other children from becoming victims."
Source: The Lawrence Times on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race May 26, 2023

On Families & Children: Vetoed adoption bill relating to religious beliefs

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a bill related to religious beliefs and children's welfare. According to the Office of the Kansas Governor, Gov. Kelly vetoed House Bill 2311, which would prohibit the secretary from adopting and enforcing policies for placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity and creating a right of action for violations.
Source: WIBW TV-13 on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race Apr 7, 2025

On Foreign Policy: Vetoed restrictions on foreign ownership of land in Kansas

Proposed restrictions in Kansas on the foreign ownership of land died when the state's Democratic governor vetoed a bill that top Republican lawmakers argued would protect military bases from Chinese spying. Kelly said in her veto message that while Kansas needs stronger protections against foreign adversaries, the bill was so "overly broad" that it could disrupt "legitimate investment and business relationships."
Source: Associated Press, "Limits" on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race May 10, 2024

On Homeland Security: I am committed to honoring the service of Kansas' veterans

Gov. Laura Kelly said a site in Topeka was selected for construction of a northeast Kansas residential home for veterans. "As the daughter of a Purple Heart recipient, I am committed to honoring the service of Kansas' veterans and their families," Kelly said. "Kansas increased our investment in and relentlessly pursued federal funding for this project, and we are now one step closer to ensuring service members across the region have the support and care they deserve."
Source: Kansas Reflector, "$49M", on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race Jan 4, 2023

On Social Security: Federal benefits should go to foster kids, not state agency

A new mandate from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requires federal cash benefits, like social security and disability, to go directly to foster children after decades of using them to pay for state agency operating costs. The policy change will create savings accounts for kids in state care, and those accounts will follow the child when they age out of the system.
Source: Kansas Reflector on 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race Jan 10, 2025

The above quotations are from 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
Click here for other excerpts from 2026 Kansas Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
Click here for other excerpts by Laura Kelly.
Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Apr 05, 2026