List of governors of Kansas

Governor of Kansas
State seal
Standard of the governor
Incumbent
Laura Kelly
since January 14, 2019
Government of Kansas
ResidenceCedar Crest
Term length
  • Four years, renewable once consecutively
Inaugural holderCharles L. Robinson
FormationFebruary 9, 1861
SuccessionLine of succession
DeputyLieutenant Governor of Kansas
Salary$110,707 (2022)
Websitegovernor.kansas.gov

The governor of Kansas is the head of state of Kansas and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kansas Legislature, to convene the legislature at any time, and to grant pardons.

Since becoming a state, Kansas has had 48 governors. The state's longest-serving governors were Robert Docking, John W. Carlin, and Bill Graves, each of whom served 8 years (Docking served four two-year terms; Carlin and Graves each served 2 4-year terms). The shortest-serving governor was John McCuish, who served only 11 days after the resignation of Fred Hall.

The current governor is Democrat Laura Kelly, who took office on January 14, 2019.

List of governors

Kansas Territory

Kansas Territory was organized on May 30, 1854, from land that had previously been part of Missouri Territory. Despite existing only for six years, it had six governors appointed by the president of the United States.

Governors of the Territory of Kansas
No. Governor Term in office Appointed by
1 Andrew Horatio Reeder
(1807–1864)
 June 29, 1854
–
July 31, 1855
(398 days; removed)		 Franklin Pierce
2 Wilson Shannon
(1802–1877)
 August 10, 1855
–
July 31, 1856
(357 days; replaced)		 Franklin Pierce
3 John W. Geary
(1819–1873)
 July 31, 1856
–
March 4, 1857
(217 days; resigned)		 Franklin Pierce
4 Robert J. Walker
(1801–1869)
 March 30, 1857
–
December 17, 1857
(263 days; resigned)		 James Buchanan
5 James W. Denver
(1817–1892)
 February 24, 1858
–
November 8, 1858
(258 days; resigned)		 James Buchanan
6 Samuel Medary
(1801–1864)
 November 23, 1858
–
December 20, 1860
(759 days; resigned)		 James Buchanan

State of Kansas

Flag of the governor prior to 1961. It is unclear when the governor's flag was first created

The eastern bulk of Kansas Territory was admitted to the Union as Kansas on January 29, 1861. The Kansas Constitution provided that a governor and lieutenant governor be elected every 2 years, for a term commencing on the second Monday in the January after the election. An amendment in 1972 increased terms to four years, with a limit that a governor could not serve more than two terms in a row, and provided that the governor and lieutenant governor are elected on the same ticket. In the original constitution, should the office of governor be vacant, the powers would devolve upon the lieutenant governor, who nonetheless would remain in that office; the 1972 amendment changed it so that, in such an event, the lieutenant governor becomes governor.

Until 2018, there was no age or residency requirement to run for the office; in 2017, three teenagers were doing so. In 2018, a law was passed establishing the age to run for governor and lieutenant governor at 25.

Governors of the State of Kansas
No. Governor Term in office Party Election Lt. Governor
1 Charles L. Robinson
(1818–1894)
 February 9, 1861
–
January 12, 1863
(703 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican 1859 Joseph Pomeroy Root
2 Thomas Carney
(1824–1888)
 January 12, 1863
–
January 9, 1865
(729 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican 1862 Thomas A. Osborn
3 Samuel J. Crawford
(1835–1913)
 January 9, 1865
–
November 4, 1868
(1396 days; resigned)		 Republican 1864 James McGrew
1866 Nehemiah Green
4 Nehemiah Green
(1837–1890)
 November 4, 1868
–
January 11, 1869
(69 days; retired)		 Republican Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor		 Vacant
5 James M. Harvey
(1833–1894)
 January 11, 1869
–
January 13, 1873
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1868 Charles Vernon Eskridge
1870 Peter Percival Elder
6 Thomas A. Osborn
(1836–1898)
 January 13, 1873
–
January 8, 1877
(1457 days; retired)		 Republican 1872 Elias S. Stover
1874 Melville J. Salter
7 George T. Anthony
(1824–1896)
 January 8, 1877
–
January 13, 1879
(736 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican 1876
Lyman U. Humphrey
8 John St. John
(1833–1916)
 January 13, 1879
–
January 8, 1883
(1457 days; lost election)		 Republican 1878
1880 David Wesley Finney
9 George Washington Glick
(1827–1911)
 January 8, 1883
–
January 12, 1885
(736 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1882
10 John Martin
(1839–1889)
 January 12, 1885
–
January 14, 1889
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1884 Alexander P. Riddle
1886
11 Lyman U. Humphrey
(1844–1915)
 January 14, 1889
–
January 9, 1893
(1457 days; retired)		 Republican 1888 Andrew Jackson Felt
1890
12 Lorenzo D. Lewelling
(1846–1900)
 January 9, 1893
–
January 14, 1895
(736 days; lost election)		 Populist 1892 Percy Daniels
13 Edmund Needham Morrill
(1834–1909)
 January 14, 1895
–
January 11, 1897
(729 days; lost election)		 Republican 1894 James Armstrong Troutman
14 John W. Leedy
(1849–1935)
 January 11, 1897
–
January 9, 1899
(729 days; lost election)		 Populist 1896 Alexander Miller Harvey
15 William Eugene Stanley
(1844–1910)
 January 9, 1899
–
January 12, 1903
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1898 Harry E. Richter
1900
16 Willis J. Bailey
(1854–1932)
 January 12, 1903
–
January 9, 1905
(729 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican 1902 David John Hanna
17 Edward W. Hoch
(1849–1925)
 January 9, 1905
–
January 11, 1909
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1904
1906 William James Fitzgerald
18 Walter R. Stubbs
(1858–1929)
 January 11, 1909
–
January 13, 1913
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1908
1910 Richard Joseph Hopkins
19 George H. Hodges
(1866–1947)
 January 13, 1913
–
January 11, 1915
(729 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1912 Sheffield Ingalls
20 Arthur Capper
(1865–1951)
 January 11, 1915
–
January 13, 1919
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1914 William Yoast Morgan
1916
21 Henry J. Allen
(1868–1950)
 January 13, 1919
–
January 8, 1923
(1457 days; retired)		 Republican 1918 Charles Solomon Huffman
1920
22 Jonathan M. Davis
(1871–1943)
 January 8, 1923
–
January 12, 1925
(736 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1922 Benjamin S. Paulen
23 Benjamin S. Paulen
(1869–1961)
 January 12, 1925
–
January 14, 1929
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1924 De Lanson Alson Newton Chase
1926
24 Clyde M. Reed
(1871–1949)
 January 14, 1929
–
January 12, 1931
(729 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican 1928 Jacob W. Graybill
25 Harry Hines Woodring
(1887–1967)
 January 12, 1931
–
January 9, 1933
(729 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1930
26 Alf Landon
(1887–1987)
 January 9, 1933
–
January 11, 1937
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1932 Charles W. Thompson
1934
27 Walter A. Huxman
(1887–1972)
 January 11, 1937
–
January 9, 1939
(729 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1936 William M. Lindsay
28 Payne Ratner
(1896–1974)
 January 9, 1939
–
January 11, 1943
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1938 Carl E. Friend
1940
29 Andrew Frank Schoeppel
(1894–1962)
 January 11, 1943
–
January 13, 1947
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1942 Jess C. Denious
1944
30 Frank Carlson
(1893–1987)
 January 13, 1947
–
November 28, 1950
(1416 days; resigned)		 Republican 1946 Frank L. Hagaman
1948
31 Frank L. Hagaman
(1894–1966)
 November 28, 1950
–
January 8, 1951
(42 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor		 Vacant
32 Edward F. Arn
(1906–1998)
 January 8, 1951
–
January 10, 1955
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1950 Fred Hall
1952
33 Fred Hall
(1916–1970)
 January 10, 1955
–
January 3, 1957
(725 days; resigned)		 Republican 1954 John McCuish
34 John McCuish
(1906–1962)
 January 3, 1957
–
January 14, 1957
(12 days; retired)		 Republican Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor		 Vacant
35 George Docking
(1904–1964)
 January 14, 1957
–
January 9, 1961
(1457 days; lost election)		 Democratic 1956 Joseph W. Henkle Sr.
1958
36 John Anderson Jr.
(1917–2014)
 January 9, 1961
–
January 11, 1965
(1464 days; retired)		 Republican 1960 Harold H. Chase
1962
37 William H. Avery
(1911–2009)
 January 11, 1965
–
January 9, 1967
(729 days; lost election)		 Republican 1964 John Crutcher
38 Robert Docking
(1925–1983)
 January 9, 1967
–
January 13, 1975
(2927 days; term-limited)		 Democratic 1966
1968 James H. DeCoursey Jr.
1970 Reynolds Shultz
1972 Dave Owen
39 Robert Frederick Bennett
(1927–2000)
 January 13, 1975
–
January 8, 1979
(1457 days; lost election)		 Republican 1974 Shelby Smith
40 John W. Carlin
(b. 1940)
 January 8, 1979
–
January 12, 1987
(2927 days; term-limited)		 Democratic 1978 Paul Dugan
1982 Thomas Docking
41 Mike Hayden
(b. 1944)
 January 12, 1987
–
January 14, 1991
(1464 days; lost election)		 Republican 1986 Jack D. Walker
42 Joan Finney
(1925–2001)
 January 14, 1991
–
January 9, 1995
(1457 days; retired)		 Democratic 1990 Jim Francisco
43 Bill Graves
(b. 1953)
 January 9, 1995
–
January 13, 2003
(2927 days; term-limited)		 Republican 1994 Sheila Frahm
(resigned June 11, 1996)
Vacant
Gary Sherrer
(appointed July 18, 1996)
1998
44 Kathleen Sebelius
(b. 1948)
 January 13, 2003
–
April 28, 2009
(2298 days; resigned)		 Democratic 2002 John E. Moore
2006 Mark Parkinson
45 Mark Parkinson
(b. 1957)
 April 28, 2009
–
January 10, 2011
(623 days; retired)		 Democratic Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor		 Vacant
Troy Findley
(appointed May 15, 2009)
46 Sam Brownback
(b. 1956)
 January 10, 2011
–
January 31, 2018
(2579 days; resigned)		 Republican 2010 Jeff Colyer
2014
47 Jeff Colyer
(b. 1960)
 January 31, 2018
–
January 14, 2019
(349 days;
lost nomination)		 Republican Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor		 Vacant
Tracey Mann
(appointed February 14, 2018)
48 Laura Kelly
(b. 1950)
 January 14, 2019
–
Incumbent
(in office 2846 days)		 Democratic 2018 Lynn Rogers
(resigned January 2, 2021)
David Toland
(appointed January 2, 2021)
2022

Timeline

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The range given is from the date the governor was confirmed by the Senate, or appointed by the President during a Senate recess, to the date the governor's successor was confirmed, unless noted.
  2. ↑ Reeder was nominated on June 22, 1854, confirmed by the Senate on June 29, and took office on October 7.
  3. ↑ Reeder was dismissed by President Franklin Pierce, "on the tenuous grounds of illegal land speculation" when he refused another appointment.
  4. ↑ Shannon was appointed on August 10, 1855, during a Senate recess; nominated on December 7, 1855, and confirmed by the Senate on February 19, 1856. He took office on September 1, 1855.
  5. ↑ Shannon resigned on August 18, frustrated at how ungovernable he found the territory; however, his replacement had already been confirmed by the Senate.
  6. ↑ Geary was nominated on July 28, 1856, confirmed by the Senate on July 31, and took office on September 9.
  7. ↑ Geary resigned, "discouraged and feeling betrayed" due to the violence he had experienced.
  8. ↑ Walker was appointed on March 30, 1857, during a Senate recess; he was never confirmed by the Senate. He gave his inaugural address on May 27.
  9. ↑ Walker resigned following constant attack by pro-slavery forces and lack of support from the federal administration.
  10. ↑ Denver was nominated on January 12, 1858, and confirmed by the Senate on February 24.
  11. ↑ Denver resigned, tired of the constant strife and lack of support from the federal administration. He submitted his resignation on October 10, 1858, to take effect upon the arrival of his successor, but he left the territory on November 8.
  12. ↑ Medary was appointed on November 23, 1858, during a Senate recess; nominated on December 21; and confirmed by the Senate on December 22. He took office on December 18.
  13. ↑ Medary resigned following the election of Abraham Lincoln to president; he had already lost the election to be the first state governor.
  14. ↑ Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.
  15. ↑ Crawford resigned to take command of the 19th Kansas Infantry.
  16. ↑ Osborn instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Represented the Republican Party
  18. ↑ Humphrey instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States House of Representatives.
  19. ↑ Stanley instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.
  20. ↑ Stubbs instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.
  21. ↑ Capper was instead elected to the United States Senate.
  22. ↑ Reed lost the Republican nomination to Frank Haucke.
  23. ↑ Landon instead ran unsuccessfully for President of the United States.
  24. ↑ Carlson resigned; he had been elected to the United States Senate to replace Harry Darby, and Darby resigned early so that Carlson could be appointed to the seat early by his replacement as governor, Frank L. Hagaman.
  25. ↑ Hagaman had already lost the Republican nomination to Edward F. Arn when he succeeded Carlson.
  26. ↑ Hall resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the Kansas Supreme Court; he had already lost the Republican nomination to Warren W. Shaw.
  27. ↑ McCuish had already lost the election for lieutenant governor when he succeeded Hall.
  28. 1 2 3 Under a 1972 amendment to the constitution, governors may not be elected to more than two successive terms.
  29. ↑ First term under a 1972 constitutional amendment which lengthened terms to four years.
  30. ↑ Sebelius resigned, having been confirmed as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
  31. ↑ Brownback resigned, having been confirmed as United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
  32. ↑ Colyer lost the Republican nomination to Kris Kobach.
  33. ↑ Kelly's second term began on January 9, 2023, and will expire on January 11, 2027; she will be term-limited.

References

  1. ↑ "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries". Council of State Governments. Archived from the original on September 29, 2026. Retrieved October 5, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Kan. Const., art. I, § 3.
  3. ↑ Kan. Const., art. VIII, § 4.
  4. ↑ Kan. Const., art. II, § 14.
  5. ↑ Kan. Const., art. I, § 5.
  6. ↑ Kan. Const., art. I, § 7.
  7. ↑ 10 Stat. 277
  8. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 161–162.
  9. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 33rd Cong., 1st sess. p. 340 – via HathiTrust.
  10. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 33rd Cong., 1st sess. p. 345 – via HathiTrust.
  11. ↑ McMullin 1984, p. 161.
  12. ↑ McMullin 1984, p. 162.
  13. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 163–164.
  14. 1 2 McMullin 1984, p. 163.
  15. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 34th Cong., 1st sess. p. 1 – via HathiTrust.
  16. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 34th Cong., 1st sess. p. 50 – via HathiTrust.
  17. ↑ McMullin 1984, p. 164.
  18. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 164–166.
  19. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 34th Cong., 1st sess. p. 130 – via HathiTrust.
  20. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 34th Cong., 1st sess. p. 131 – via HathiTrust.
  21. 1 2 McMullin 1984, p. 165.
  22. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 166–168.
  23. 1 2 McMullin 1984, p. 167.
  24. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 168–170.
  25. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 35th Cong., 1st sess. p. 286 – via HathiTrust.
  26. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 35th Cong., 1st sess. p. 322 – via HathiTrust.
  27. ↑ McMullin 1984, p. 170.
  28. ↑ McMullin 1984, pp. 170–172.
  29. 1 2 McMullin 1984, p. 171.
  30. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 35th Cong., 2nd sess. p. 24 – via HathiTrust.
  31. ↑ United States Senate. Senate Executive Journal, 35th Cong., 2nd sess. p. 30 – via HathiTrust.
  32. ↑ McMullin 1984, p. 172.
  33. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 459.
  34. ↑ 12 Stat. 126
  35. ↑ Thorpe 1909, p. 1243, 1861 art. I, § 1.
  36. ↑ Gregory, Jim (November 8, 1972). "Kansans OK 3 Amendments to Constitution". The Wichita Eagle. p. 13A – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ↑ Thorpe 1909, p. 1244, 1861 art. I, § 11.
  38. ↑ Kan. Const., art. I, § 11.
  39. ↑ Woodall, Hunter (September 28, 2017). "As third teen joins Kansas governor race, consider this: No rule says a dog can't run". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  40. ↑ "New law sets minimum age for Kansas governor candidates". KWCH-DT. May 18, 2018. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018.
  41. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 459–460.
  42. ↑ "Charles Lawrence Robinson". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Charles Robinson". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Proclamation". White Cloud Kansas Chief. February 21, 1861. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 460.
  46. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Kallenbach 1977, p. 193.
  47. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 460–461.
  48. ↑ "Thomas Carney". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 30, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  49. ↑ "Thomas Carney". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 15, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Topeka Items". Evening Bulletin. January 14, 1863. p. 3. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 461.
  52. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 461–462.
  53. ↑ "Samuel Johnson Crawford". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on October 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  54. ↑ "Samuel J. Crawford". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on February 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  55. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "From the Capital". Evening Bulletin. Leavenworth, Kansas (published January 13, 1865). January 11, 1865. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 462.
  57. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 462–463.
  58. ↑ "Nehemiah Green". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 3, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  59. ↑ "Nehemiah Green". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  60. ↑ "Gov. N. Green". Topeka Weekly Leader. November 5, 1868. p. 3. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 463–464.
  62. ↑ "James Madison Harvey". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on April 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  63. ↑ "James Madison Harvey". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  64. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "From Topeka: Inauguration of State Officers". Kansas Daily Tribune. Lawrence, Kansas (published January 12, 1869). January 11, 1869. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 464–465.
  66. ↑ "Thomas Andrew Osborn". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 4, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  67. ↑ "Thomas Andrew Osborn". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  68. ↑ "The Week". Western Home Journal. January 16, 1873. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 465.
  70. ↑ "Democratic Legislators". Atchison Patriot. January 6, 1877. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 465–466.
  72. ↑ "George Tobey Anthony". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  73. ↑ "George T. Anthony". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 17, 2025. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  74. ↑ "The Inauguration". The Commonwealth. January 9, 1877. p. 3. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 466.
  76. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 467–468.
  77. ↑ "John Pierce St. John". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  78. ↑ "John P. St. John". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on September 1, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  79. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "An Active Day". Leavenworth Times. Leavenworth, Kansas (published January 14, 1879). Associated Press. January 13, 1879. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 468–469.
  81. ↑ "George Washington Glick". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  82. ↑ "George W. Glick". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  83. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Kansas Redeemed". Leavenworth Evening Standard. Leavenworth, Kansas. January 8, 1883. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 469–470.
  85. ↑ "John Alexander Martin". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 19, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  86. ↑ "John Alexander Martin". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on April 21, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  87. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Kansas Happenings". Atchison Daily Champion. Atchison, Kansas (published January 13, 1885). January 12, 1885. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 471–472.
  89. ↑ "Lyman Underwood Humphrey". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 15, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  90. ↑ "Lyman Underwood Humphrey". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  91. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Four New Governors". The Evening Reporter. Independence, Kansas (published January 15, 1889). January 14, 1889. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  92. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 471.
  93. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 472–473.
  94. ↑ "Lorenzo Dow Lewelling". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  95. ↑ "Lorenzo D. Lewelling". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  96. ↑ "Gov. Lewelling Now". Kansas Democrat. January 9, 1893. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 473–474.
  98. ↑ "Edmund Needham Morrill". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 16, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  99. ↑ "Edmund Needham Morrill". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on April 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  100. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "E. N. Morrill Sworn In As Governor". Atchison Daily Globe. Atchison, Kansas. Associated Press. January 14, 1895. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  101. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 475–476.
  102. ↑ "John Whitnah Leedy". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 5, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  103. ↑ "John W. Leedy". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 9, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  104. ↑ "Inaugural Exercises". The Daily Democrat. January 11, 1897. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  105. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 476–477.
  106. ↑ "William Eugene Stanley". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 31, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  107. ↑ "William E. Stanley". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 10, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  108. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Stanley Is It". Atchison Daily Globe. Atchison, Kansas. Associated Press. January 9, 1899. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  109. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 477.
  110. ↑ "Chester Long Elected U.S. Senator". Olathe Tribune. January 30, 1903. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  111. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 477–478.
  112. ↑ "Willis Joshua Bailey". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 22, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  113. ↑ "Willis Joshua Bailey". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 7, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  114. ↑ "W. J. Bailey Is Governor of Kansas". The Topeka State Journal. January 12, 1903. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  115. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 478.
  116. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 478–479.
  117. ↑ "Edward Wallis Hoch". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 25, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  118. ↑ "Edward Wallis Hoch". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  119. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Governor E.W. Hoch". Salina Weekly Union. Salina, Kansas (published January 12, 1905). January 9, 1905. p. 4. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  120. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 479–480.
  121. ↑ "Walter Roscoe Stubbs". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 26, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  122. ↑ "Walter R. Stubbs". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  123. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "It Is 'Governor' Stubbs; 'Ed' Hoch Steps Down". Salina Evening Journal. Salina, Kansas. January 11, 1909. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  124. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 480.
  125. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 480–481.
  126. ↑ "George Hartshorn Hodges". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  127. ↑ "George H. Hodges". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  128. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Hodges Is Inaugurated 19th Governor of Kansas". The Wichita Beacon. Wichita, Kansas. January 13, 1913. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  129. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 481–482.
  130. ↑ "Arthur Capper". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 22, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  131. ↑ "Arthur Capper". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 12, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  132. ↑ "Arthur Capper of Topeka, a Native Kansan, Inaugurated As Governor of His State Today With Entire Republican Administration". The Topeka State Journal. January 11, 1915. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  133. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 482.
  134. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 482–483.
  135. ↑ "Henry Justin Allen". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on May 10, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  136. ↑ "Henry J. Allen". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  137. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Allen Receives Oath As Kansas Governor". Ottawa Herald. Ottawa, Kansas. January 13, 1919. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  138. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 484.
  139. ↑ "Jonathan McMillan Davis". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 10, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  140. ↑ "Jonathan M. Davis". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 9, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  141. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Kansas Inaugurates Davis as Chief Executive; Wyandotte Bourbons Out After Beths on Democratic Slate". Kansas City Kansan. Kansas City, Kansas. January 8, 1923. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  142. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 484–486.
  143. ↑ "Ben Sanford Paulen". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 10, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  144. ↑ "Benjamin S. Paulen". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  145. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Paulen Is Sworn In As Governor". Emporia Gazette. Emporia, Kansas. Associated Press. January 12, 1925. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  146. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 486–487.
  147. ↑ "Clyde Martin Reed". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 10, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  148. ↑ "Clyde Martin Reed". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 6, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  149. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Clyde Reed Is Inaugurated As 24th Executive". The Hutchinson News. Hutchinson, Kansas. Associated Press. January 14, 1929. p. 6. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  150. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 486.
  151. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Kallenbach 1977, p. 194.
  152. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 487–488.
  153. ↑ "Harry Hines Woodring". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 7, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  154. ↑ "Harry H. Woodring". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  155. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Woodring In As Governor". The Manhattan Mercury. Manhattan, Kansas. Associated Press. January 12, 1931. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  156. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 488–489.
  157. ↑ "Alfred Mossman Landon". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  158. ↑ "Alfred M. Landon". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  159. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Alf Landon Installed As Governor". The Hutchinson News. Hutchinson, Kansas. January 9, 1933. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  160. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 489.
  161. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 489–490.
  162. ↑ "Walter Augustus Huxman". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 12, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  163. ↑ "Walter A. Huxman". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on February 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  164. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Huxman Asks for G.O.P. Aid". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. January 11, 1937. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  165. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 490–491.
  166. ↑ "Payne Harry Ratner". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 15, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  167. ↑ "Payne Harry Ratner". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on January 15, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  168. ↑ Mayo, Gilbert A. (January 9, 1939). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Ratner Is New Head of State". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas (published January 10, 1939). Associated Press. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  169. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 492–493.
  170. ↑ "Andrew Frank Schoeppel". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 16, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  171. ↑ "Andrew Frank Schoeppel". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 31, 2025. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  172. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Andrew Schoeppel Takes Oath As 29th Governor of Kansas; Pledges Economy in the Office". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas (published January 12, 1943). Associated Press. January 11, 1943. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  173. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 493–494.
  174. ↑ "Frank Carlson". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 25, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  175. ↑ "Frank Carlson". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on February 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  176. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Carlson Gets Helm; Session Opens Today". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas (published January 14, 1947). Associated Press. January 13, 1947. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  177. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 494.
  178. 1 2 Sobel 1978, pp. 494–495.
  179. ↑ "Frank Lester Hagaman". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 3, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  180. ↑ "Frank L. Hagaman". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 29, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  181. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Hagaman Invites Aid From Arn on State Budget". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas (published November 29, 1950). Associated Press. November 28, 1950. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  182. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 495–496.
  183. ↑ "Edward Ferdinand Arn". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  184. ↑ "Edward F. Arn". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  185. ↑ "Gov. Arn Will Gear Kansas' Affairs to National Crisis". The Wichita Eagle (published January 9, 1951). United Press. January 8, 1951. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  186. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 496–497.
  187. ↑ "Frederick Lee Hall". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on June 16, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  188. ↑ "Fred Hall". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  189. ↑ Miller, Tom W. (January 10, 1955). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "'Do Something' Term Pledged by New Chief". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. United Press. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  190. ↑ Sobel 1978, p. 497.
  191. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 497–498.
  192. ↑ "John Berridge McCuish". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 19, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  193. ↑ "John B. McCuish". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  194. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "McCuish Takes Helm of State". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas (published January 4, 1957). January 3, 1957. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  195. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Henkle Wins Lt. Governor's Race; Breeding Cinches Fifth District Seat". Great Bend Daily Tribune. Great Bend, Kansas. Associated Press. November 8, 1956. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  196. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 498–499.
  197. ↑ "George Docking". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on April 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  198. ↑ "George Docking". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 23, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  199. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Docking Takes Oath, Says 'Let No One Be Disturbed'". The Manhattan Mercury. Manhattan, Kansas. Associated Press. January 14, 1957. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  200. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 499–500.
  201. ↑ "John Anderson". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 30, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  202. ↑ "John Anderson, Jr". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 12, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  203. ↑ "Anderson Sworn-In As 36th Governor". The Olathe News. January 10, 1961. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  204. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 500–501.
  205. ↑ "William Henry Avery". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  206. ↑ "William Henry Avery". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 11, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  207. ↑ McKnight, Joe (January 12, 1965). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Wm. Avery Takes Oath As Governor". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. Associated Press. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  208. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 501–502.
  209. ↑ "Robert Blackwell Docking". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  210. ↑ "Robert Blackwell Docking". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  211. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Docking Takes Oath, Gives Brief Address". The Manhattan Mercury. Manhattan, Kansas. Associated Press. January 9, 1967. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  212. ↑ Kan. Const., art. I, § 1.
  213. ↑ Sobel 1978, pp. 502–503.
  214. ↑ "Robert F. Bennett". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  215. ↑ "Robert F. Bennett". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  216. ↑ Schafer, Bob (January 14, 1975). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Bennett, New Governor, 'Will Meet Challenge'". The Daily News. Olathe, Kansas. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  217. 1 2 "John Carlin". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 28, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  218. ↑ "John William Carlin". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  219. ↑ Petterson, John (January 9, 1979). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Carlin Sworn In As 40th Governor". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  220. ↑ Mullaney 1994, pp. 134–136.
  221. 1 2 "John Michael Hayden". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on May 21, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  222. ↑ "John Michael Hayden". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  223. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Hayden Takes Oath As 41st Governor". Salina Journal. Salina, Kansas. Associated Press. January 13, 1987. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  224. ↑ Mullaney 1994, pp. 137–139.
  225. 1 2 "Joan Finney". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 14, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  226. ↑ "Joan Finney". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on April 20, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  227. ↑ Written at Topeka, Kansas. "New Governor Finney Looks to Future". Salina Journal. Salina, Kansas. Associated Press. January 15, 1991. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  228. 1 2 "Bill Graves". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on July 16, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  229. ↑ "William Preston Graves". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 16, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  230. ↑ Wright, Julie (January 10, 1995). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Graves Sets Goal of a Chance for All at a Better Life". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  231. 1 2 "Kathleen Sebelius". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on May 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  232. ↑ "Kathleen Sebelius". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 12, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  233. ↑ Painter, Steve (January 14, 2003). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Topeka Affirms Its New Regime". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  234. 1 2 "Mark Parkinson". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on April 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  235. ↑ "Mark Parkinson". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on June 6, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  236. ↑ Koranda, Jeannine (April 29, 2009). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Parkinson Is Kansas' 45th Governor". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  237. 1 2 "Sam Brownback". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 8, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  238. ↑ "Sam Brownback". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on May 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  239. ↑ Koranda, Jeannine; Lefler, Dion (January 11, 2011). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Brownback: 'I Know Our State Will Rise'". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  240. 1 2 "Jeff Colyer". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on August 2, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  241. ↑ "Jeff Colyer". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 2, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  242. ↑ Shorman, Jonathan; Woodall, Hunter (February 1, 2018). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Colyer Hails New Day in Kansas, Vows Tone of Respect, Openness". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  243. 1 2 "Laura Kelly". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 18, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  244. ↑ "Laura Kelly". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on September 17, 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  245. ↑ Shorman, Jonathan (January 15, 2019). Written at Topeka, Kansas. "Laura Kelly Sworn In As Kansas Governor". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  246. ↑ Shorman, Jonathan; Bernard, Katie (January 9, 2023). "Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly begins second term, condemns 'hostility and anger' in politics". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on January 9, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2026.

Bibliography