Lynn Rogers (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lynn Rogers
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| 41st Treasurer of Kansas | |
| In office January 2, 2021 – January 9, 2023 |
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| Governor | Laura Kelly |
| Preceded by | Jake LaTurner |
| Succeeded by | Steven Johnson |
| 51st Lieutenant Governor of Kansas | |
| In office January 14, 2019 – January 2, 2021 |
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| Governor | Laura Kelly |
| Preceded by | Tracey Mann |
| Succeeded by | David Toland |
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 25th district |
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| In office January 9, 2017 – January 14, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Michael O'Donnell |
| Succeeded by | Mary Ware |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lynn Wayne Rogers
September 11, 1958 Fremont, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (2015–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Republican (before 2015) |
| Spouse | Kris |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Nebraska, Lincoln (BA) |
Lynn Wayne Rogers, born on September 11, 1958, is an American politician and businessman. He served as the 41st Kansas State Treasurer from 2021 to 2023. Before that, he was the 51st lieutenant governor of Kansas from 2019 to 2021.
Rogers is a member of the Democratic Party. He also served on the board of Wichita Public Schools. This was from 2001 to 2017. Later, he was a senator in the Kansas Senate for the 25th district. This district covers west Wichita, and he served there from 2017 to 2019.
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Early Life and Education
Lynn Rogers was born on September 11, 1958, in Fremont, Nebraska. He grew up on a large hog farm in rural Nebraska. His parents were members of the Republican Party.
His family had a history of public service. His grandfather was a county commissioner, which is an elected official who manages county government. His father also served on a local school board.
In 1980, Rogers earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He studied business administration at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Rogers' Career Journey
After finishing college, Rogers started his career in marketing. He worked for Citibank Savings in Chicago. In 1985, he moved to Wichita, Kansas with his wife. There, he took a marketing job with the Farm Credit Bank of Wichita.
In 1993, Rogers became a vice president at CoBank Farm Credit Leasing. He worked there until he was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2016.
Serving on the School Board
In the 1990s, Lynn Rogers became very involved in his children's public school. He was active in a Parent-teacher organization (PTO). He also helped raise money for the Wichita Public Schools. This included supporting a bond drive in 2000, which helps fund school projects.
Rogers' first elected job was on the Wichita School Board. He served on the board from 2001 to 2018.
During his time on the school board, Rogers changed his political party. He switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. He explained that he was frustrated with Republicans. He felt they were not supporting public schools enough.
Time in the Kansas Senate
In 2016, Rogers was elected to the Kansas Senate. He represented the 25th district. He took over from Republican Senator Michael O'Donnell. Senator O'Donnell left the seat to run for a different position.
As a senator, Rogers worked to change tax policies. He wanted to "reverse the Brownback-Colyer tax experiment." This meant he aimed to invest more money into Kansas schools. His main focus areas were education, farming, and banking issues.
While in the Kansas Senate, Senator Laura Kelly sat next to him. She became an important mentor to him.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
On May 24, 2018, Senator Laura Kelly announced her choice for running mate. She picked Lynn Rogers to join her in the 2018 Kansas gubernatorial election. This election was for the governor and lieutenant governor of Kansas.
On November 6, 2018, Kelly and Rogers won the election. They defeated the Republican team of Kris Kobach and Wink Hartman. They also beat the independent team of Greg Orman and John Doll. Rogers became the first lieutenant governor from Wichita since Thomas Docking in the 1980s.
As Lieutenant Governor, Rogers traveled a lot around Kansas. He visited more than half of the state's 105 counties. He also represented Kansas in official visits to other states.
Serving as Kansas Treasurer
In December 2020, Governor Laura Kelly made another announcement. She chose Rogers to become the next Kansas State Treasurer. He replaced Jake LaTurner, who was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Rogers officially took office as Treasurer on January 2, 2021. David Toland then became the new Lieutenant Governor. Rogers ran for a full term as Treasurer in 2022. However, he lost the election to Republican State Representative Steven C. Johnson.
Personal Life and Family
Lynn Rogers is married to Kris Rogers. They have three grown children. One son works as a staff attorney for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Their daughter teaches in the Kansas City area. Another son is involved in the arts community in Wichita.
