Since managing Bill Roy’s 1974 Senatorial campaign against Bob Dole, Chairman Larry Gates has consistently worked to grow the Democratic Party of Kansas. He served as Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party and has been a trusted campaign advisor to Congressman Dennis Moore and Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Gates was first elected Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party in 2003 and was unanimously reelected in 2005, 2007 and 2009. During his time as Chair, he has focused on moving the Party forward by emphasizing the importance of organizing Democrats at the grassroots level by growing county parties and recruiting top candidates to run for office. He has also overseen the development of a state-of-the-art voter file and a Party web site that keeps voters and activists informed and engaged.

Under his leadership, the Kansas Democratic Party helped elect additional Democratic members to the state house, elect Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson, re-elect Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Congressman Dennis Moore and return the Second Congressional District to the hands of a commonsense Democrat, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda.