Kansas Governor Laura Kelly took the oath of office Monday to begin her second term as the state’s 48th governor.
In her inaugural address, Kelly said she’s humbled by the confidence that has been placed in her once again to serve Kansas and its people. She said every day in the governor’s office is “an honor and an opportunity.” Her address focused on themes of kindness and togetherness, and she said a spirit of togetherness in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor said those in leadership positions have a particular responsibility to follow the lead of Kansans in kindness, cooperation and civility. She said “We cannot let hostility and anger that has poisoned our national politics spread here into Kansas.” He said civility enables collaboration, which enables compromise, which leads to good policy, and good policy means better opportunities for Kansans.
The governor will present a detailed agenda for her second term during the State of the State Address on Wednesday evening.
Lieutenant Governor David Toland also took the oath of office, along with new Attorney General Kris Kobach, new treasurer Steven Johnson, insurance commissioner Vicki Schmidt, secretary of state Scott Schwab and justices on the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court.
