Dinah Sykes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American politician (born 1977)
Preceded byAnthony Hensley
Preceded byGreg Smith
Born (1977-04-10) April 10, 1977 (age 49)
Tennessee, U.S.
PartyRepublican (before 2018)
Democratic (2018–present)
Democratic (2018–present)
Dinah Sykes | |
|---|---|
| Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate | |
| Assumed office January 11, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Anthony Hensley |
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 21st district | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Greg Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1977-04-10) April 10, 1977 (age 49) Tennessee, U.S. |
| Party | Republican (before 2018) Democratic (2018–present) |
| Spouse | Jeffrey |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Trevecca Nazarene University (BA) |
Dinah Sykes (born April 10, 1977) is an American politician who has served in the Kansas Senate from the 21st district since 2017.[1][2] Since 2021, Sykes has served as the Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.[3]
Sykes earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Trevecca Nazarene University.[4] She was a stay-at-home mom and personal chef before entering politics.[4] Sykes also served as a PTA president before being elected to the Kansas Senate.[1][5]
Sykes was first elected to the Kansas Senate as a Republican in November 2016. In December 2018, Sykes switched to the Democratic Party along with three other female Kansas legislators—Senator Barbara Bollier, Representative Joy Koesten, and Representative Stephanie Clayton.[5]
In December 2020, Sykes was elected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to be Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.[3]
In January 2026, she announced her candidacy for state insurance commissioner.[6]
References
- 1 2 Christa Dubill (December 22, 2016). "From PTA President to Kansas Senate, a local mom readies for her new job". Kshb.com. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
- ↑ "Senator Dinah Sykes". Kslegislature.org. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
- 1 2 Wu, Andrew Bahl and Titus. "New guard in Senate, status quo in House as state lawmakers pick new leaders". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- 1 2 Hunter Woodall, Moderate candidates try to break away from one another in Kansas Senate race, Kansas City Star (October 25, 2016).
- 1 2 Jonathan Shorman, More Kansas lawmakers switch parties: Sykes, Clayton leave GOP, become Democrats, Kansas City Star (December 19, 2018).
- ↑ Cooper, Brad (January 8, 2026). "NEW: Top Senate Democrat joining race for insurance commissioner". Sunflower State Journal. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
External links
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| Preceded by | Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate 2021–present |
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