Dinah Sykes (born April 10, 1977) is an American politician who has served in the Kansas Senate from the 21st district since 2017. Since 2021, Sykes has served as the Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.
Career Sykes earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Trevecca Nazarene University.Hunter Woodall, Moderate candidates try to break away from one another in Kansas Senate race, Kansas City Star (October 25, 2016). She was a stay-at-home mom and personal chef before entering politics. Sykes also served as a PTA president before being elected to the Kansas Senate.Jonathan Shorman, More Kansas lawmakers switch parties: Sykes, Clayton leave GOP, become Democrats, Kansas City Star (December 19, 2018).
Sykes was first elected to the Kansas Senate as a Republican in November 2016. In December 2018, Sykes switched to the Democratic Party along with three other female Kansas legislators—Senator Barbara Bollier, Representative Joy Koesten, and Representative Stephanie Clayton.
In December 2020, Sykes was elected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to be Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.
In January 2026, she announced her candidacy for state insurance commissioner.
See also List of American politicians who switched parties in office
References
External links Vote Smart Dinah Sykes