Barbara W. Ballard is a Democrat representing Kansas House District 44 . She has served continuously since her election in 1992, completing over 30 years by 2022 and serving as House Minority Caucus Chair. Notable achievements include being the first African American in House leadership , ranking minority member on Social Services Budget and Transportation committees, and leadership on Appropriations, KanCare Oversight, and bipartisan social services advocacy. She coordinates civic programs at the University of Kansas' Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, including youth leadership and voter engagement initiatives.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services; M.S. in Guidance and Counseling.
• Political Experience: Elected to Kansas House in 1992 ; House Democratic Caucus Chair; prior local public school board service; House leadership since 1996, including Appropriations Committee and ranking roles on key budgets.
• Professional Roles: University of Kansas since 1980 ; senior associate director at Dole Institute since 2004; teaches Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.