List of United States senators from Kansas Facts for Kids

Kansas's Current Senators

This article tells you about the people who have served as United States Senators from Kansas. Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861. Since then, it has sent two senators to represent its people in the U.S. Senate.

Kansas's current senators are Republicans Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall. Most of Kansas's senators have been Republicans. In fact, 29 senators from Kansas have been Republicans. Three have been Democrats, and two have been Populists.

One of the most well-known senators was Arthur Capper. He served for a very long time, from 1919 to 1949. Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932. Both of its Senate seats have been held by Republicans since 1939. This is the longest time any state has had both Senate seats controlled by one party!

What is a U.S. Senator?
How Kansas Senators are Chosen
Notable Kansas Senators
Images for kids
See also

What is a U.S. Senator?

A United States Senator is a person elected to represent their state in the United States Senate. The Senate is part of the United States Congress, which makes laws for the whole country. Each state, no matter how big or small, has two senators. This means there are 100 senators in total.

Senators serve six-year terms. Their job is to vote on new laws, approve treaties with other countries, and confirm important government officials. They also help their state by bringing its concerns to the national level.

How Kansas Senators are Chosen

Senators are elected by the people of their state. Elections for the Senate happen every two years. However, not all senators are up for election at the same time. The Senate is divided into three "classes." This makes sure that there are always experienced senators working in Washington, D.C.

Kansas's senators belong to Class 2 and Class 3.

Class 2 Senators: These senators are part of an election cycle that recently happened in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. The next election for this seat will be in 2026.
Class 3 Senators: These senators are part of an election cycle that recently happened in 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2022. The next election for this seat will be in 2028.

This system helps keep the Senate stable. It prevents too many new people from joining all at once.

Notable Kansas Senators

Over the years, many important people have served as senators for Kansas. Here are a few examples:

Arthur Capper: Longest-Serving Senator

Arthur Capper served Kansas for 30 years.

Arthur Capper holds the record for the longest time served as a U.S. Senator from Kansas. He was a Republican and served for 30 years, from 1919 to 1949. Before becoming a senator, he was the Governor of Kansas. He was known for supporting farmers and for his work on agricultural issues.

Charles Curtis: Vice President

Charles Curtis became Vice President of the United States.

Charles Curtis was another important Republican senator from Kansas. He served multiple terms in the Senate. In 1929, he made history by becoming the Vice President of the United States under President Herbert Hoover. He was the first person of Native American ancestry to reach such a high office.

Bob Dole: Presidential Candidate

Bob Dole was a long-serving senator and a presidential candidate.

Bob Dole was a very influential Republican senator from Kansas. He served in the Senate from 1969 to 1996. He was a decorated veteran of World War II. Dole became a leader in the Senate and was the Senate Majority Leader. He even ran for President of the United States in 1996.