Laura Kelly on Principles & Values

	Laura Kelly on Principles & Values

Both parties have good ideas and some pretty wacky ones

The only way we'll move forward on any of the challenges facing us is if we recognize that both parties have brought good, commonsense ideas to the table. And, both parties have also brought some pretty wacky ideas to the table. Our job is to lift up the commonsense, smart, reasonable ideas that will help Kansans--and then meet in the middle to get them done. I'm not asking you not to love your political party--I'm just asking you to love your state a little more. Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 15, 2025

Kansas is, at its heart, a small-town kind of state

As we move Kansas forward, it's critical that we not lose sight of what makes our state unique. That we preserve what it means to be a Kansan…what's fundamental to our identity. And that would be rural Kansas. Kansas is, at its heart, a small-town kind of state. One million people--a third of our population--live in communities with fewer than 40 people per square mile. The people who work in our state's most important industry don't wear suits; they wear boots and jeans. Source: 2024 State of the State Address to Kansas legislature , Jan 10, 2024

My message is this: Continue to meet me in the middle

All of this happened because we came together, Democrats and Republicans. Not a single bill would have been signed into law if people had just dug in their heels and refused to budge. Our friends in Washington could learn a thing or two from how we operate here in Kansas. But we can't get complacent. My message to you tonight is this: Continue to meet me in the middle. That's how Kansans solve differences in their everyday lives, and it's the only way we'll solve the big challenges ahead of us. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 24, 2023

We can be as good and decent as the people who sent us here

When I talk to Kansans the most common theme I hear is: "I am so sick and tired of all the political fighting." It's all become so toxic. Now the people in this Chamber didn't cause this problem. But the people in this Chamber can be part of the solution. We can turn down the temperature. We can be civil and compromise. We can be role models for our children. We can put allegiance to Kansans ahead of allegiance to political party. We can be as good and as decent as the people who sent us here. Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 11, 2022

Leaders must set an example that we share a common bond

This year, working together isn't simply something I want--it's something we owe to the people of Kansas. This year, as leaders, we must commit ourselves to set an example. In how we conduct ourselves. In the things we say to each other, what we post on social media, in what we tell people back home in our communities. This year, we must show Kansans that, even when we stand on opposite sides of the aisle, we still always share a common bond as Kansans and Americans. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 13, 2021

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*Other governors on Principles & Values:*			*Laura Kelly on other issues:*
*KS Gubernatorial:* Chase LaPorte Derek Schmidt *KS Senatorial:* Barbara Bollier Barry Grissom Dave Lindstrom Jake LaTurner Jerry Moran Joan Farr Kris Kobach Mark Holland Michael Soetaert Pat Roberts Susan Wagle	*Gubernatorial races 2025:* *New Jersey Governor:* Democratic primary June 10, 2025: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present) Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present) Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017) Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019); elected Nov. 4. Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022) Republican primary June 10, 2025: Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022) Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021 & 2025); lost general election Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew *Virginia Governor:* Democratic primary June 17 cancelled: Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025; elected Nov. 4. Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.) Republican primary June 17 cancelled: Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025; lost general election Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited	*Mayoral races 2025:* *NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:* Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021 (Independent candidate). Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assembly, 2021-2025 (Democratic nominee); elected Nov. 4. Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4: Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Sliwa, Republican nominee; CEO of the Guardian Angels *Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)* Non-partisan general election Nov. 4; runoff Dec. 2: Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education Steven Fulop, outgoing Mayor (2013-2025) Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997) Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004) James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017) Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023) *Oakland CA Mayor* Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025: Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025) Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Local Issues Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty [Title9]