Jeff Colyer

Medical background and international work

Colyer is best described as a physician who transitioned into policy and public service. Before and alongside his political career he practiced surgery, and he has been associated with work that involved international affairs and medical outreach. His medical training and professional perspective informed his interest in health policy and global engagement during his public service. He also participated in federal fellowship programs that connect professionals to the executive branch.

Early political career

Colyer began his elected career at the state level. He won a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives, where he served from 2007 until 2009, and then was a member of the Kansas Senate from 2009 through 2011. These legislative roles gave him experience with budgeting, state-level policy, and constituent services.

Statewide office and governorship

Colyer was chosen as the 49th lieutenant governor of Kansas, serving under Governor Sam Brownback. He is a member of the Republican Party. He also served in a White House Fellows program during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, an experience that involved work in national and international policy circles. As lieutenant governor Colyer was the immediate successor to the governor and carried out duties delegated by the governor's office.

Transition to governor and 2018 campaign

In late January 2018 Colyer became Kansas's designate governor after federal action involving Governor Brownback. On January 24, 2018 the U.S. Senate vote was broken by Vice President Mike Pence (acting in his role as Vice President) to confirm Brownback as United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and Brownback resigned soon afterward to accept that post. Colyer was sworn in and formally became the 47th Governor of Kansas on January 31, 2018.

2018 Republican primary and aftermath

Colyer sought election in his own right in the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary but was narrowly defeated by Kris Kobach. The August 14, 2018 primary was decided by a very small margin: Kobach prevailed by 345 votes. That close result ended Colyer's bid to continue as governor beyond the interim period following Brownback's departure.

Offices, roles and notable facts

• Kansas House of Representatives (member, 2007–2009)
• Kansas Senate (member, 2009–2011)
• Lieutenant Governor of Kansas (served under Governor Brownback)
• 47th Governor of Kansas (sworn in January 31, 2018)
• Lost the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary to Kris Kobach

Colyer's career illustrates a path from professional practice into elected office, combining medical experience, involvement in national fellowship programs, and service at multiple levels of state government. His brief governorship is often noted for the unusual sequence of events that produced it—federal confirmation of his predecessor's appointment and a narrow primary defeat soon afterward.