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Kansas

Kelly Offers Governor Successors Hiring Advice

Outgoing Kansas Governor Laura Kelly shared recommendations for her successor while answering questions at an economic policy conference.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People

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Outgoing Governor Laura Kelly urged her successor to hire qualified experts rather than political allies and to avoid amplifying partisan divisions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, whose term ends Jan. 11, offered job advice to her potential successors during the question-and-answer portion of the Kansas Economic Policy Conference at the University of Kansas. Kelly said she would give no unsolicited advice and offered recommendations only when asked.

Why it matters

Kelly's advice comes as Kansas voters decide between Republican Ty Masterson and Democrat Cindy Holscher to succeed her. Her recommendations touch on how a new administration staffs state government and handles political divisions.

Kelly's two-term tenure follows 15 years in the Kansas Senate, and her term ends Jan. 11. Whether the incoming governor follows her staffing advice will not be known until after Election Day on Nov. 3.

The players

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly is the outgoing Democratic governor of Kansas who served two terms after spending 15 years in the Kansas Senate.

Ty Masterson

Ty Masterson is a Republican candidate for Kansas governor from Andover, endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Cindy Holscher

Cindy Holscher is a Democratic candidate for Kansas governor from Overland Park.

The details

Kelly said her executive branch hires were not based on party affiliation, campaign donations, or personal friendships, and that the branch has operated scandal-free during her tenure. She recommended the next governor build a qualified team of subject matter experts and avoid amplifying political polarization.

Timeline

  1. 2017-12: As governor-elect, Kelly anticipated difficulty rehiring experienced state workers.

  2. 2018: Kelly was elected governor.

  3. 2022: Kelly was reelected governor.

  4. Nov. 3: Election Day, when voters decide the governorship.

  5. Jan. 11: Kelly's term as governor ends.

Leadership Transition

Kelly's advice revisits the hiring challenge she anticipated as governor-elect in December 2017, when she first expressed concern about rehiring experienced state workers. Her recommendations now point to the next administration's staffing choices.

Kansans will see a new governor and possibly new state agency leadership after Jan. 11. How the next administration staffs state government could affect the services residents receive.

The takeaway

Kelly's guidance centers on hiring qualified experts and avoiding partisan rhetoric in government. Voters weighing the governor's race may consider how each candidate would approach staffing and political tone.

What happens next

Election Day is Nov. 3, when polls close at 7 p.m., and Kelly's term ends Jan. 11, 2027.

Further reading

Explore more People coverage on Kansas leadership and public figures.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas Reflector.

Live Poll

Do you trust Kansas state government to hire qualified people rather than political allies?