About

Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as the 44th Governor of Kansas in January 2003, and just under three years later, Time magazine named her one of the nation’s top five governors, citing her work to cut waste in government and bridge the partisan divide. Governor Sebelius was reelected to a second term in 2006.

A hallmark of Sebelius’ first term was the historic commitment made to Kansas schoolchildren, as well as audits to ensure those resources were being spent effectively. She also led efforts to create jobs and improve the safety and security of Kansans. These initiatives continue in her second term, with helping more families afford health insurance and taking advantage of Kansas’ opportunities in renewable energy being key priorities as well.

In 2006, Governor Sebelius was elected chair of the Democratic Governors’ Association. She also chairs the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition and the Education Commission of the States, as well as serving on the National Governors’ Association’s Executive Committee.

Sebelius served four terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, two terms as the state’s insurance commissioner, and is the first daughter of a U. S. governor to serve in that same position.

Kathleen has been married to her husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 32 years, and they have two sons: Ned and John, both college graduates.