Senate Democrats Select Leadership for Upcoming Legislative Sessions

TOPEKA – Democratic members of the Kansas Senate re-elected Senator Dinah Sykes as the Senate Democratic Leader.

In addition to Sykes’ re-election, Democrats re-elected Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau as Assistant Democratic Leader. Senator Cindy Holscher was elected as Senate Democratic Whip, Senator Ethan Corson was elected as Caucus Chair, and Senator Marci Francisco was re-elected to serve as Agenda Chair. 

“I’m honored by the trust my fellow Democrats have placed in me as we continue fighting for courage, compassion, and common sense in Topeka,” Sykes said.

“In 2025, Senate Democrats will hold the Republican supermajority accountable, and fight against any attempts to sell out the middle class, defund public schools, or strip away basic rights,” Sykes said. “Senate Democrats are committed to working across the aisle on any agenda that will move Kansas forward. We will continue supporting our working families to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Sykes was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2016. She represents Senate District 21, which includes parts of Lenexa, Overland Park, Shawnee, and Merriam. Prior to her election in 2016, Sykes ran her own business as a personal chef and worked as a development officer in higher education. She lives in Lenexa with her husband, Jeffrey.

The 2025 Legislative Session starts on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. 

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