Johnson and Wyandotte counties are represented in the 2023 Kansas Legislature by more lawmakers during this legislative session than the last, a reflection of the region’s growing population — and political influence.
The region gained three state representatives after last year’s redrawing of political boundaries.
Wyandotte County is now represented by eight members of the state House of Representatives, up from seven on the 2020 ballot. Johnson County is now represented by 27 state House members, up from 25.
Not only are more lawmakers in the 2023 Kansas Legislature coming from Johnson and Wyandotte counties, but the partisan makeup of the area is shifting as well.
Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 2 to 1 in the 2023 Kansas Legislature, but more than half of the legislature’s Democrats – 28 out of 51 – are coming from Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
Party leadership has also shifted geographically, with Republican leaders now coalescing around the Wichita area. Minority party leadership is centered around northeast Kansas. Senate Assistant Minority Leader Oletha Faust-Goudeau of Wichita is the lone exception. In contrast, only one of 11 Republican legislative leaders is from northeast Kansas: House Majority Leader Chris Croft, from Overland Park.
Eleven legislators are serving their first term, all in the state House of Representatives.
Sure to cause some confusion among Kansas City-area voters is one newcomer who shares a name, party affiliation and a few constituents with a well-known lawmaker: First-time legislator Rep. Mike Thompson, a Republican from Bonner Springs, is not to be confused with Republican Sen. Mike Thompson from Shawnee, a retired television meteorologist elected in 2020. Their districts overlap in part of Lake Quivira in Wyandotte County.
To learn who represents you in the 2023 Kansas Legislature, enter your address here.
What follows below is a brief biography of each Kansas City-area legislator, with committee assignments and contact information. Because the Kansas Legislature is a part-time legislature, most members have outside jobs, so we list those too. Information was gathered from the 2023 Kansas Legislature website, campaign materials, social media and other publicly available sources. Photos are courtesy of the Kansas Legislature.
Kansas House of Representatives
Rep. Carrie Barth, House District 5
Republican Carrie Barth is a corporate benefits consultant from Baldwin City who represents the southwest corner of Johnson County along with parts of Miami, Franklin and Douglas counties. This is Barth’s first term. The district includes Baldwin City and Wellsville, along with parts of Gardner, Olathe, Spring Hill, Edgerton and Osawatomie. Barth sits on the Local Government, Social Services Budget and Health and Human Services committees.
Phone: 785-296-6287
Email: Carrie.Barth@house.ks.gov
Rep. Chris Croft, House District 8
Republican Chris Croft is a retired U.S. Army colonel from Overland Park who was first elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2018 following his retirement from the military. The Johnson County district includes parts of Overland Park and Olathe south of 129th Street. Croft is the House majority leader, the third-most senior leader in the state House of Representatives. Croft chairs the Calendar and Printing committee and sits on the Legislative Budget and Interstate Cooperation committees.
Phone: 785-296-7662
Email: Chris.Croft@house.ks.gov
Rep. Dennis Miller, House District 14
Democrat Dennis Miller is a retiree and veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves from Olathe. He is a first-time lawmaker after defeating incumbent Charlotte Esau in 2022. The Johnson County district includes part of Olathe south of K-10 and north of Harold Street. Miller sits on the newly created Welfare Reform committee and the Local Government, Taxation and Veterans and Military committees.
Phone: 785-296-7688
Email: Dennis.Miller@house.ks.gov
Rep. Allison Hougland, House District 15
Democrat Allison Hougland is a real estate agent and first-time lawmaker from Olathe. The Johnson County district includes part of southern Olathe and part of Spring Hill. Hougland sits on the Legislative Modernization, Welfare Reform, Elections and Child Welfare and Foster Care committees.
Phone: 785-296-7658
Email: Allison.Hougland@house.ks.gov
Rep. Linda Featherston, House District 16
Democrat Linda Featherston is a piano teacher from Overland Park who is starting her second term as a state representative. The Johnson County district includes part of Overland Park west of U.S. 69. Featherston is the ranking minority member on the Local Government committee and sits on the Water, Education and Agriculture and Natural Resources committees.
Phone: 785-296-7354
Email: linda.featherston@house.ks.gov
Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, House District 17
Democrat Jo Ella Hoye is a former local government analyst and current stay-at-home parent and community advocate from Lenexa. She was first elected in 2020. The district includes parts of Lenexa and Shawnee between Shawnee Mission Parkway and 87th Street. Hoye is the ranking minority member of the Federal and State Affairs committee. She also sits on the following committees: Transportation; Transportation and Public Safety Budget; and Children and Seniors.
Phone: 785-296-7331
Email: JoElla.Hoye@house.ks.gov
Rep. Cindy Neighbor, House District 18
Democrat Cindy Neighbor is a retired medical administrator from Shawnee who has been in the state House of Representatives off and on since 2003; she began her most recent stint in 2017 after a seven-year break. The Johnson County district includes parts of Shawnee and Merriam north of 75th and mostly west of Switzer. Neighbor is the ranking minority member on the Insurance committee and the Insurance and Pensions committee. She also sits on the following committees: Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Child Welfare and Foster Care; Elections; and Children and Seniors.
Phone: 785-296-7690
Email: Cindy.Neighbor@house.ks.gov
Rep. Stephanie Sawyer-Clayton, House District 19
Democrat Stephanie Sawyer-Clayton is a social media consultant from Overland Park. She was first elected to the state House as a Republican in 2012, before switching political parties in 2018. The Johnson County district includes parts of Overland Park east of Metcalf, Prairie Village and Leawood, mostly between 83rd and 103rd streets. Sawyer-Clayton is the House minority whip. She sits on the following committees: Commerce, Labor and Economic Development; Taxation; and Federal and State Affairs.
Phone: 785-296-7548
Email: stephanie.clayton@house.ks.gov
Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, House District 20
Democrat Mari-Lynn Poskin from Leawood worked in higher education administration and now has a business assisting families in planning for college. She was first elected in 2020. The Johnson County district includes parts of Leawood and Overland Park east of Metcalf and mostly south of 103rd Street. Poskin sits on the following committees: Veterans and Military; K-12 Education Budget; Financial Institutions and Pensions; and Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
Phone: 785-296-7436
Email: Mari-Lynn.Poskin@house.ks.gov
Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, House District 21
Democrat Jerry Stogsdill is a real estate investor and former educator and naval officer from Prairie Village. Stogsdill was first elected to the state House in 2016. The Johnson County district includes parts of Overland Park, mostly east of Metcalf, and Prairie Village, from 67th to 83rd streets. Stogsdill is the House minority agenda chair. He is the ranking minority member on the Legislative Modernization and Education committees. He also sits on the Water, Taxation, and Calendar and Printing committees.
Phone: 785-296-7692
Email: Jerry.Stogsdill@house.ks.gov
Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, House District 22
Democrat Lindsay Vaughn is a volunteer manager from Overland Park who was first elected in 2020. The Johnson County district is wholly within Overland Park, south of 79th Street and west of Metcalf Avenue. Vaughn is the ranking minority member on the Water committee, and sits on the Judiciary and Health and Human Services committees.
Phone: 785-296-8503
Email: lindsay.vaughn@house.ks.gov
Rep. Susan Ruiz, House District 23
Democrat Susan Ruiz is a social worker from Shawnee. She was first elected to the state House in 2018. The Johnson County district encompasses the corridor along I-35 where Shawnee, Lenexa and Overland Park meet. Ruiz is the ranking minority member on the Health and Human Services committee. Ruiz also sits on the Social Services Budget committee and the Veterans and Military committee.
Phone: 785-296-7482
Email: Susan.Ruiz@house.ks.gov
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, House District 24
Democrat Jerrod Ousley is a paint contractor from Merriam who was first elected in 2014. The Johnson County district includes parts of Merriam, Mission and Overland Park, mostly north of 75th Street. Ousley is the ranking minority member on the Child Welfare and Foster Care committee and sits on the K-12 Education Budget and Appropriations committees.
Phone: 785-296-7366
Email: jarrod.ousley@house.ks.gov
Rep. Rui Xu, House District 25
Democrat Rui Xu is a marketing analyst from Westwood who was first elected to the Kansas Legislature in 2018. The Johnson County district includes Fairway, Mission Hills, Mission Woods, Roeland Park, Westwood, Westwood Hills and parts of Mission and Prairie Village. Xu is the ranking minority member on the Financial Institutions and Pensions committee. He also sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee and the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee.
Phone: 785-296-7686
Email: Rui.Xu@house.ks.gov
Rep. Adam Thomas, House District 26
Republican Adam Thomas is a restaurant owner from Olathe. He was first elected to the Kansas House in 2018. The district covers parts of Johnson and Miami counties and includes parts of Spring Hill, Overland Park and Olathe. Thomas chairs the Education committee and sits on the K-12 Education Budget and Federal and State Affairs committees.
Phone: 785-296-3113
Email: Adam.Thomas@house.ks.gov
Rep. Sean Tarwater, House District 27
Republican Sean Tarwater is a business owner from Stilwell who was first elected to the House in 2016. The Johnson County district includes southern parts of Leawood and Overland Park and parts of Aubry and Oxford townships. Tarwater chairs the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee and sits on the Insurance and Appropriations committee.
Phone: 785-296-7685
Email: Sean.Tarwater@house.ks.gov
Rep. Carl Turner, House District 28
Republican Carl Turner is a project manager from Leawood who was first elected in 2020. The Johnson County district includes parts of Oxford township, Leawood and Overland Park between State Line Road and Metcalf Avenue. Turner is vice chair of the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications committee. He sits on the Legislative Modernization, Taxation and Health and Human Services committees.
Phone: 785-296-7301
Email: carl.turner@house.ks.gov
Rep. Heather Meyer, House District 29
Democrat Heather Meyer is a social worker from Overland Park who first stepped into the seat after the resignation of her predecessor, Brett Parker. She won reelection in 2022. The Johnson County district includes part of Overland Park south of 95th Street between Metcalf Avenue and U.S. 69. Meyer is the ranking minority member on the Welfare Reform committee and sits on the Legislative Modernization, Water and Insurance committees.
Phone: 785-296-5413
Email: Heather.Meyer@house.ks.gov
Rep. Laura Williams, House District 30
Republican Laura Williams is from Lenexa and works in digital marketing. This is Williams’ first term. The Johnson County district includes parts of Lenexa, Olathe and Shawnee, mainly along Interstate 35 and Kansas Route 10. It was one of three Johnson County House districts without an incumbent after the 2022 redistricting process placed the previous lawmaker — Democrat Brandon Woodard, in this case — into a new district. Williams sits on the following committees: Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; General Government Budget; Financial Institutions and Pensions; and Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
Phone: 785-296-7696
Email: Laura.Williams@house.ks.gov
Rep. Louis Ruiz, House District 31
Democrat Louis Ruiz is a retiree from Kansas City. Ruiz was first elected to the House in 2004. The southern Wyandotte County district includes part of Kansas City south of the Kansas River between State Line Road and I-635. Ruiz sits on the Education committee and the Federal and State Affairs committee.
Phone: 785-296-7885
Email: louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov
Rep. Pam Curtis, House District 32
Democrat Pam Curtis is from Kansas City and works in community relations. Curtis first stepped into the seat in 2014 following the death of her predecessor, attorney Michael Peterson. She ran for reelection and won in 2016 and has held the seat ever since. The Wyandotte County district includes part of Kansas City between State Avenue and I-70 between the state line and I-635. Curtis sits on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget committees.
Phone: 785-296-7430
Email: pam.curtis@house.ks.gov
Rep. Mike Thompson, House District 33
Republican Mike Thompson is a retired military chaplain, police officer and city councilman from Bonner Springs. This is Thompson’s first term. The Wyandotte County district includes Edwardsville and parts of Bonner Springs, Lake Quivira and Kansas City. Thompson sits on the following committees: Veterans and Military; Corrections and Juvenile Justice; and Taxation.
Phone: 785-296-8153
Email: Mike.Thompson@house.ks.gov
Rep. Valdenia Winn, House District 34
Democrat Valdenia Winn is a college professor from Kansas City who was first elected in 2000. The Wyandotte County district runs nearly the entire length of Kansas City, mostly falling between State Avenue and Parallel Parkway from Fifth Street to 78th Street. Winn serves as the assistant minority leader and is the ranking minority member on the K-12 Education Budget committee.
Phone: 785-296-7630
Email: valdenia.winn@house.ks.gov
Rep. Marvin Robinson, House District 35
Democrat Marvin Robinson is a U.S. Navy veteran and community advocate best known for his efforts to preserve the historic Quindaro Ruins and Cemetery. This is Robinson’s first term. The Wyandotte County district includes part of northeast Kansas City. Robinson sits on the General Government Budget and Legislative Modernization committees.
Phone: 785-296-8763
Email: Marvin.Robinson@house.ks.gov
Rep. Lynn Melton, House District 36
Democrat Lynn Melton is from Kansas City. She retired from the financial industry before working for Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey. This is Melton’s first term as a lawmaker. The Wyandotte County district is mostly north of Parallel Parkway from 55th Street west to U.S. 73. Melton sits on the following committees: Transportation; Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Local Government; and General Government Budget.
Phone: 785-296-0424
Email: Lynn.Melton@house.ks.gov
Rep. Melissa Oropeza, House District 37
Democrat Melissa Oropeza is a nurse practitioner from Kansas City. This is her first term. The Wyandotte County district includes part of Kansas City and runs the length of I-70 from 94th Street to the state line. Oropeza sits on the Legislative Modernization committee, Elections committee and Health and Human Services committee.
Phone: 785-296-7300
Email: Melissa.Oropeza@house.ks.gov
Rep. Timothy Johnson, House District 38
Republican Timothy Johnson is a retired teacher from Basehor who previously worked in municipal and state law enforcement. He was first elected in 2020. The district, which is mostly part of Leavenworth County, includes a slice of northwest Wyandotte County and Kansas City between Marxen Road and Hollingsworth Road. Johnson is vice chair of the Child Welfare and Foster Care committee. He also sits on the K-12 Education Budget committee, Welfare Reform committee, Veterans and Military committee and Children and Seniors committee.
Phone: 785-296-7677
Email: timothy.johnson@house.ks.gov
Rep. Owen Donohoe, House District 39
Republican Owen Donohoe is from Shawnee and owns a medical device company. He was most recently elected to the House in 2018; he previously served from 2007-2012. The north Johnson County district includes parts of Shawnee, Bonner Springs and Lake Quivira south of the Kansas River. Donohoe sits on the Education, Social Services Budget and Financial Institutions and Pensions committees.
Phone: 785-296-7675
Email: Owen.Donohoe@house.ks.gov
Rep. Bill Sutton, House District 43
Bill Sutton is a Republican from Gardner who works in inventory control for Steel & Pipe Supply. He was first elected to the House in 2012. The district straddles part of the county line between Johnson and Douglas counties and includes parts of Gardner, Edgerton and Olathe. Sutton chairs the insurance committee. He also sits on the Appropriations committee and the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee.
Phone: 785-296-7676
Email: bill.sutton@house.ks.gov
Rep. Dan Osman, House District 48
Democrat Dan Osman is an attorney from Overland Park. Osman took office in July 2021 to fill the remainder of Jennifer Day’s term when she resigned after relocating outside the district. He won election for his first full two-year term in 2022. The Johnson County district includes part of Overland Park between Metcalf Avenue and Switzer Road between 119th and 159th streets. Osman sits on the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee and the Judiciary committee.
Phone: 785-296-7680
Email: Dan.Osman@house.ks.gov
Rep. Brad Boyd, House District 49
Democrat Brad Boyd is a community organizer from Olathe serving his first term. The Johnson County district includes parts of Olathe and Overland Park between 127th and 159th streets. Boyd sits on the following committees: K-12 Education Budget; Health and Human Services; and Federal and State Affairs.
Phone: 785-296-7655
Email: Brad.Boyd@house.ks.gov
Rep. Robyn Essex, House District 78
Republican Robyn Essex is from Olathe and has worked in municipal government. This is her first term. The Johnson County district includes part of southern Olathe west of Lackman Road. Essex sits on the following committees: Transportation, Local Government, Insurance, Water and Elections.
Phone: 785-296-7385
Email: Robyn.Essex@house.ks.gov
Rep. Brandon Woodard, House District 108
Democrat Brandon Woodard is from Lenexa and works in nonprofit fundraising. He was first elected in 2018 to represent the 30th House District; starting in 2023, he represents the newly redrawn 108th District. The Johnson County district sits at the intersection of Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park and includes parts of each city. Woodard is the ranking minority member on the Higher Education Budget committee and the Elections committee. He also sits on the Insurance and Appropriations committees.
Phone: 785-296-5593
Email: Brandon.Woodard@house.ks.gov
Rep. Adam Turk, House District 117
Republican Adam Turk is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and owns a boxing fitness studio. This is Turk’s first term. The district traverses Kansas Highway 10 in Douglas and Johnson counties and includes parts of De Soto, Eudora, Lawrence, Lenexa, Olathe and Shawnee. Turk sits on the following committees: Corrections and Juvenile Justice; Appropriations; and General Government Budget.
Phone: 785-296-7396
Email: Adam.Turk@house.ks.gov
Rep. John Resman, House District 121
Republican John Resman is a retired deputy sheriff from Olathe. Resman replaced former Rep. Mike Kiergerl when the latter stepped down in February 2017. The Johnson County district includes parts of De Soto, Gardner and Olathe south of Kansas Highway 10. Resman is vice chair of the Transportation and Public Safety Budget committee. He also sits on the Corrections and Juvenile Justice committee and the Federal and State Affairs committee.
Phone: 785-296-7636
Email: john.resman@house.ks.gov
Kansas Senate
Sen. David Haley, Senate District 4
Democrat David Haley is an attorney from Kansas City. He was first elected to the Kansas Senate in 2001, and was in the House for six years prior. The Wyandotte County district includes the northeastern corner of Kansas City, north of I-70. Haley sits on the Judiciary, Local Government and Transparency and Ethics committees.
Phone: 785-296-7376
Email: David.Haley@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Jeff Pittman, Senate District 5
Democrat Jeff Pittman is a supply chain engineer from Leavenworth. He was elected to the Senate in 2020 and served two terms in the House before that. The district abuts the Missouri River and straddles Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, including Leavenworth and parts of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, Edwardsville and Lansing. Pittman is the Senate caucus chair for the Democrats and is the ranking minority member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance committee. He also sits on the Utilities committee and the Ways and Means committee.
Phone: 785-296-7522
Email: Jeff.Pittman@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Pat Pettey, Senate District 6
Democrat Pat Pettey is a retired educator from Kansas City who was first elected to the Senate in 2012. The district spans the southernmost part of Wyandotte County, roughly east of I-435, and a small part of Johnson County. It includes parts of Merriam, Overland Park, Edwardsville and Kansas City. Pettey is Senate minority whip. She is the ranking minority member on both the Ways and Means committee and the Public Health and Welfare committee. She also sits on the Education committee.
Phone: 785-296-7375
Email: Pat.Pettey@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Ethan Corson, Senate District 7
Sen. Ethan Corson, Senate District 7
Democrat Ethan Corson is an attorney from Fairway. He was first elected to the Senate in 2020. The Johnson County district includes Fairway, Mission, Mission Hills, Mission Woods, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Westwood and Westwood Hills and parts of Overland Park and Leawood. Corson is the ranking minority member on both the Transportation and Judiciary committees and sits on the Taxation and Utilities committees.
Phone: 785-296-7390
Email: Ethan.Corson@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Cindy Holscher, Senate District 8
Democrat Cindy Holscher is from Overland Park and worked in advertising and publishing. She was elected to the state Senate in 2020 after serving two terms in the House. The Johnson County district includes part of Overland Park west of Metcalf, roughly from 91st to 135th streets. Holscher is the ranking minority member on the Financial Institutions and Insurance committee. She also sits on the Public Health and Welfare committee and the Federal and State Affairs committee.
Phone: 785-296-7659
Email: Cindy.Holscher@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Beverly Gossage, Senate District 9
Republican Beverly Gossage is an insurance agent from De Soto. She won her first election in 2020. Gossage stepped into the 2020 race less than two months before election day after the incumbent, former state Sen. Julia Lynn, dropped her reelection bid due to a family emergency. The district covers west Johnson County and includes De Soto and parts of Gardner, Lenexa and Olathe. Gossage chairs the Public Health and Welfare committee, and sits on the Education, Judiciary and Financial Institutions and Insurance committees.
Phone: 785-296-7382
Email: Beverly.Gossage@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Mike Thompson, Senate District 10
Republican Mike Thompson is a retired TV meteorologist from Shawnee. He first won election in 2020. The district covers northern Johnson County, including parts of Bonner Springs, Merriam, Overland Park and Shawnee, and all of Lake Quivira in both Johnson and Wyandotte counties. Thompson chairs the Federal and State Affairs committee. Thompson also sits on the following committees: Transparency and Ethics; Utilities; Local Government; and Public Health and Welfare.
Phone: 785-296-7362
Email: Mike.Thompson@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Kellie Warren, Senate District 11
Republican Kellie Warren is an attorney from Leawood who unsuccessfully ran for state attorney general in the Republican primary. She was elected to the state Senate in 2020, after serving one term in the House. The Johnson County district includes parts of Leawood and southern Overland Park mostly east of U.S. 69. Warren chairs the Judiciary committee and sits on the Transparency and Ethics, Local Government and Utilities committees.
Phone: 785-296-7646
Email: Kellie.Warren@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Dinah Sykes, Senate District 21
Democrat Dinah Sykes was a stay-at-home mom and PTA president from Lenexa before running for state Senate in 2016. Sykes was elected as a Republican but switched her party affiliation in 2018. The Johnson County district includes parts of Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee, mostly south of 79th Street. Sykes is the Senate minority leader and the ranking minority member on the Education committee.
Phone: 785-296-3245
Email: Dinah.Sykes@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Robert Olson, Senate District 23
Republican Robert Olson is from Olathe and works in banking and real estate. In 2011, Olson, who was in the state House at the time, was tapped to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Karin Brownlee, who took a job as the Kansas secretary of labor under Gov. Sam Brownback. The Johnson County district includes part of Olathe south of 127th Street and west of the Johnson County Executive Airport. Olson chairs the Utilities committee and sits on the Judiciary committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance committee.
Phone: 785-296-7358
Email: Rob.Olson@senate.ks.gov
Sen. Molly Baumgardner, Senate District 37
Republican Molly Baumgardner is from Louisburg and works as a communications coordinator at Johnson County Community College. Baumgardner was selected to fill the Senate seat left vacant when Brownback nominated Baumgardner’s predecessor, Pat Apple, to the Kansas Corporation Commission in 2014. The district straddles Johnson and Miami counties and includes Edgerton, Spring Hill, Paola and parts of Gardner, Olathe and Overland Park. Baumgardner chairs the Education committee. She also sits on the Judiciary committee, the Assessment and Taxation committee and the Public Health and Welfare committee.
Phone: 785-296-7368
Email: Molly.Baumgardner@senate.ks.gov
