Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has been elected to chair the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) for a one-year term by Democratic governors from 23 states. Kelly had already been serving as interim chair since August, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stepped down to join Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Prior to this role, Kelly was the DGA’s vice chair.   

The DGA, an independent political organization, supports Democratic governors and candidates through campaign funding, strategic advice, and policy guidance. In a statement announcing Kelly’s election, the association commended her leadership on economic issues, her contributions as vice chair and interim chair, and her ability to foster bipartisan collaboration.

Democrats saw notable success in the 2024 elections, with no incumbent Democratic governor losing reelection, even though Republicans won at the top of the ticket in several states.

In addition, the DGA elected Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as vice chair for 2025 and chair-elect for 2026. The DGA highlighted Beshear’s 2023 reelection in a state that overwhelmingly leans Republican.