TOPEKA — Kansas Gov.-elect Laura Kelly has named a Democratic legislative leader’s top aide as her chief of staff.
The incoming Democratic governor announced Will Lawrence’s appointment Thursday and said he has a “sharp understanding of the legislative process.”
Lawrence had been chief of staff to Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka since 2016 after serving as Hensley’s staff attorney. He also was in a law firm with former Kansas House Minority Leader Paul Davis.
During the governor’s race, Lawrence filed an unsuccessful legal challenge to independent candidate Greg Orman’s right to appear on the November ballot.
Kelly also has named 23 advisers for her transition team who include former Republican Gov. Mike Hayden. Also among them is former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, who lost to Kelly in the Democratic primary.
Kelly names legislative aide as staff chief
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FILE - In this July 5, 2018, file photo, state Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, makes a comment during a forum for Democratic candidates for governor in Topeka, Kan. Kelly the leading Democratic candidate for Kansas governor is under attack for her past backing of tough voter identification policies as her party prepares for the possibility that the champion of those measures, conservative Kris Kobach, will win the Republican nomination. (AP Photo/John Hanna File)
