Governor Laura Kelly, Governor Katie Hobbs and a Big Announcement

Summary

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Andy Beshear Podcast

Episode: Governor Laura Kelly, Governor Katie Hobbs and a Big Announcement

Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Andy Beshear

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Episode Overview

This episode brings together two prominent Democratic governors from red and purple states—Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas and Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona—for candid, unscripted discussions on public service, problem-solving, and resilience in governance. Beshear also makes two big announcements: his new leadership role at the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) and the launch of the podcast merch store. The conversations move far beyond politics, touching on personal motivations, policy challenges, leadership lessons, and moments of humor and warmth.

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Key Discussions & Insights

1. Governor Katie Hobbs: The Journey, Governance, and Resilience

[00:48–15:58]

Personal Background & Motivation

• Triathlete & Social Worker: Katie Hobbs shares that she’s run two half-ironman races and is the only social worker ever elected as a governor in the U.S.
  • “Social work is why I got into politics... I didn’t leave social work.” —Katie Hobbs [02:52]
• Upbringing: Grew up in a faith community, experienced family struggles including reliance on food stamps, and worked through college, even driving Uber after losing her home during the Great Recession.
  • “I drove for Uber to put presents under the tree for my kids.” —Katie Hobbs [03:53]

From Social Work to Politics

• Witnessed firsthand how policy shortcomings deeply impact families.
• Entered the legislature to solve systemic issues ignored by “career politicians.”

Governing in a Divided State

• Faced a Republican-controlled legislature and still achieved bipartisan victories.
  • “We got more done this year than in my first two years as governor...because we continued to work across the aisle.” —Katie Hobbs [06:15]
• Focuses on solutions, not parties:
  • “You can’t get to solving problems if you’re focused on the politics...I’ve always focused on what we can do to find common ground.” —Katie Hobbs [05:36]

Making Issues Nonpartisan

• Beshear posits that issues like jobs, schools, healthcare, and safety are “nonpartisan.”
  • “Families in Arizona...they just want our elected leaders to work together to solve [life’s challenges].” —Katie Hobbs [06:58]

SNAP Benefits, Politicization, and Federal Tensions

• Frustration with federal brinksmanship on food assistance.
  • “It is really maddening how much they are politicizing [SNAP benefits]... why government exists.” —Katie Hobbs [07:41]
• Defends states’ rigorous fraud protection and privacy practices.

Achievements & Policy Highlights

• Border Security: Secured $100M for local enforcement, activated the National Guard to interdict drugs, worked with federal agencies.
• Housing Affordability: Major investments for affordable housing, down-payment assistance, and red tape reduction.
• Water Management: Bipartisan coalition for groundwater reform, repurposing agricultural land for housing, ending unchecked groundwater extraction by foreign corporations.

Re-election and the Stakes

• Arizona is a critical swing state—Hobbs is “one of just two Democratic governors up for reelection in states Trump won.”
• “I'm 100% every single day focused on how I can make life better for Arizonans.” —Katie Hobbs [11:42]

Candid & Personal Moments

• Superpower: “I'm a mediocre pool player, but I love playing pool.” —Katie Hobbs [15:04]
• Family Time: Loves hiking Arizona’s trails and binge-watching Netflix.
• Campaign Info: “They can go to KatieHobbs.org. I’m on all the social media platforms...” [15:51]

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2. Governor Laura Kelly: Lessons in Leadership and Rural Advocacy

[17:25–46:08]

DGA Leadership & Recent Wins

• Led the DGA to major wins in Virginia and New Jersey, credits “phenomenal candidates” and their grassroots approach.
  • “They... ignored all of the sort of distracting social issues.” —Laura Kelly [19:46]
  • The successful campaigns focused on “the people, on what they need, and how to deliver for them.” [19:46–20:59]

Connecting with Rural Voters

• Emphasizes value of showing up in rural America:
  • “Even if the conversations are tough, I think Americans give you credit for showing up and trying, especially if they can tell that you're genuine.” —Andy Beshear [21:04]
  • “I just found that they weren’t used to having somebody have the conversation with them.” —Laura Kelly [22:57]
• Her own first Senate race was won by only 39 votes, highlighting the impact of meeting every voter.

Policy Turnarounds & Leadership Style

• Took over Kansas when it was economically devastated by her predecessor’s tax cuts.
  • “The only people who benefited from that tax cut were those who really didn't need to.” —Laura Kelly [27:26]
• First priority was restoring economic development and jobs as prerequisites to social improvements.
• Economic and educational improvements now central to Kansas’ attractiveness.

On Motivation and “Superpowers”

• Motivated by responsibility: “I ran originally... because I knew I was the only Democrat who could win and fix the state.” —Laura Kelly [34:07]
• Learned to problem-solve and stay calm under pressure from a career in psychiatric care and public service: “My superpower is that I don’t take things personally. It is very, very hard to get under my skin.” —Laura Kelly [37:13]

Building for the Future—Succession & the DGA

• Discusses the challenge and history-making opportunity in electing a Democratic successor.
• Predicts the next Democratic presidential nominee may well be a governor.
  • “I believe... the next presidential nominee will come from the ranks of a Democratic governor.” —Laura Kelly [41:46]

Candid & Warm Moments

• Shares fun facts—originally from New York, but fell in love with Kansas and its quiet natural beauty and strong schools.
• “If I really look back [on fashion], it would be all of the polyester outfits I bought for my first job in New York.” —Laura Kelly [38:52]
• Looking forward to being a grandma after leaving office, but plans to stay engaged on education and healthcare issues.

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3. Andy Beshear’s Big Announcement & Reflections

[48:18–53:06]

Leadership at the DGA

• Beshear is now the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, stepping in after Laura Kelly’s successful year (“2 for 2” in 2025, Beshear’s challenge: “36 for 36”).
  • “My job is to lead the organization in the races that we have coming up in 2026... 36 of them.” —Andy Beshear [48:57]
• Explains the stakes and complexity of DGA races, including both defense and potential pickups in states like Iowa, Nevada, Georgia, and crucial holds in Michigan, Wisconsin, etc.

Importance of Governors’ Races

• The DGA strategizes, raises funds, and amplifies the impact Democratic governors have on people’s lives and national direction.
  • “We are the last line of defense.” —Laura Kelly [41:22, echoed by Beshear]

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4. Community & Family Segment: The Johns & Will Bashir

[48:18–53:06]

• Beshear chats with friends and his son Will about the new DGA role and the launch of the podcast merch store.
• Light-hearted banter, with Will giving a Gen Z spin on the merch:
  • “This mug and sweatshirt is so fire and drip and clean... Everyone will say how nonchalantly drippy you are. And you’re doing it for the plot if you buy this stuff.” —Will Bashir [52:31]
• Encouragement for listeners to subscribe, comment with merch suggestions, and share feedback.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Katie Hobbs:

  • “Social work is why I got into politics... I didn’t leave social work, but social work is why I got into politics.” [02:52]
  • “It is really maddening how much they are politicizing [SNAP]... why government exists.” [07:41]
  • “I am 100% every single day focused on how I can make life better for Arizonans.” [11:42]

• Laura Kelly:

  • “The only people who benefited from that tax cut were those who really didn’t need to.” [27:26]
  • “My superpower is that I don’t take things personally. It is very, very hard to get under my skin.” [37:13]
  • “We are the last line of defense.” [41:22]

• Andy Beshear:

  • On taking over the DGA: “My job is to lead the organization in the races that we have coming up in 2026...36 of them.” [48:57]
  • “Everything you did mattered, exactly that every person you talked to was important.” [24:52]

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Important Timestamps

• 00:48 – Introduction of Governor Katie Hobbs
• 02:52 – Hobbs on social work inspiring her political career
• 05:36 – Hobbs on bipartisan governance, Arizona legislature
• 07:41 – SNAP benefits and politicization
• 09:10 – Hobbs’ achievements: border, housing, water
• 11:42 – Hobbs’ focus in re-election
• 15:04 – Hobbs’ “superpower” and personal side
• 17:25 – Introduction of Governor Laura Kelly
• 19:46 – Lessons from Virginia & New Jersey campaigns
• 22:57 – Kelly on reaching rural voters
• 27:26–28:55 – Impact of tax cut policy in Kansas
• 34:07–36:06 – Kelly’s motivation and stress resilience
• 37:13 – Kelly’s “superpower”
• 39:26 – DGA’s mission and impact
• 41:22 – “We are the last line of defense”
• 46:08 – Laura Kelly on life after being governor
• 48:18 – Beshear’s DGA announcement, chat with Johns and Will Bashir
• 52:31 – Will Bashir’s “Gen Z” marketing
• 53:06 – Merch store pitch and wrap-up

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Episode Tone & Style

True to the podcast’s ethos, the tone is empathetic, curious, and warm, blending policy depth with personal stories and humor. Both governors and the host are candid about their challenges, proud of their achievements, and human in their reflections, offering listeners a deeper, relatable perspective on public service.

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For Listeners

If you’re seeking hope, realism, and humor in American governance—especially from those leading red and purple states—this episode delivers. It’s rich with lessons on resilience, coalition-building, and why real connection with constituents matters.

Catch the next episode and visit AndBeshearPodcast.com for more content and the new merch store!

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

Before the trophy and bragging rights are rightfully yours. Before your sleeper turns in a season no one saw coming, before stats and projections turn into points on the board and your lineup falls perfectly into place, you flip the lid on a can of on nicotine pouches. And as you make your first pick, you know this is the season where fantasy's going to surpass reality. It's on products for tobacco consumers 21 years of age or older. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Andy Beshear]

Welcome to the Andy Beshear Podcast. We have a special episode for you. We have two great guests and two big announcements. On the guest side, we have two amazing Democratic governors. Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, a two term governor that just finished a year heading the Democratic Governors association where she helped steer us to victory in both Virginia and New Jersey. Then up Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who is currently up for reelection. She's had a great first term, but is running in a state where it is always close. Then we're going to have our conversation with the Johns and Will Bashir where we talk about one big announcement that I have now taken over from Laura Kelly as the head of the Democratic Governors Association. We're going to talk about what that means and the races that I'm going to have to try to win. And then we're going to talk about the now open Andy Beshear podcast Merch Store. So get ready.

[Interviewer/Host]

This is a great episode.

[Andy Beshear]

Our guest on the Andy Beshear podcast is the 24th Governor of the state.

[Interviewer/Host]

Of Arizona, Katie Hobbs.

[Andy Beshear]

Katie has been serving for three years.

[Interviewer/Host]

Is up for reelection in a state that is always close. And she gets a lot of the same questions that I normally get, like how do you win in a difficult state? So today we're gonna try to get the answers. Governor, thanks for joining us.

[Nikki]

Thank you.

[Interviewer/Host]

I actually wanted to start not on politics, but on the fact that I.

[Andy Beshear]

Think you're the only governor who can.

[Interviewer/Host]

Claim to be a couple of things.

[Laura Kelly]

Okay.

[Interviewer/Host]

You're a triathlete.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yes.

[Interviewer/Host]

Tell me about that.

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, I started as a runner and I just got kind of bored with running and I had some friends that were doing triathlons and I thought that looked fun. So I did a couple of sprints and then I would go with them to the longer distance and I thought that looked fun, too. It's not fun. A half ironman, not fun. But I've done two of them, so.

[Interviewer/Host]

So you were also by trade a social worker.

[Nikki]

Yes.

[Interviewer/Host]

Tell us how social work led into politics.

[Katie Hobbs]

Oh, this is my favorite question. First of all, I'm the only social worker ever elected governor in the United States and still the only one serving. So I. And when people ask me why I got into politics and left social work, first of all, I didn't leave social work, but social work is why I got into politics. And I think it goes back to growing up in the family I grew up in and our faith. That really kind of led me to being a social worker. We were usually a middle class family, but there were times of struggle and we relied on programs like food stamps. But what I saw most from my parents is they had a church community that they really relied on and. And at times not relied on, but were a part of. And so that community really lifted us up at times that we needed that. And not everybody has that kind of community.

Which I saw later down the road as a social worker.

So growing up, things were relatively comfortable most of the time. But I put myself through college working and scholarships. My husband and I struggled raising our kids through the Great Recession. We lost a home to foreclosure during the financial crisis. I drove for Uber to put presents under the tree for my kids. And like many Arizonans, we're still paying off student loans. And so for me, when I as a social worker, I worked with homeless youth, I worked with victims of domestic violence. So I've seen and experienced firsthand some of the really hard times that people are going through. And what led me into politics was seeing how career politicians kind of ignored all those problems and, you know, things that seemed to me an easy fix that would make a system work better so that somebody could get the assistance they needed.

It was so hard at the legislature. So I ran for the legislature and then was Secretary of state, and now as governor every day. And I'm sure you feel this way, too. You have the unique opportunity to every day do something that makes people's lives better.

[Interviewer/Host]

Absolutely. And as you came into this role, you had a legislature that was Republican controlled. Yes, I know what that's like.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yes.

[Interviewer/Host]

Tell us how you still move things forward, even though somebody might not be a part of your party.

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, it's always a challenge. I certainly don't have the same challenges you have with the veto majorities. So that's.

[Interviewer/Host]

That's not fun.

[Katie Hobbs]

No, it's not. But, you know, I've always approached my role in government, whether it was in the legislature or now as governor, as a problem solver. And you can't get to solving problems if you're focused on on the politics, if you're focused on this person is a terrible Republican. I can never work with them. And I've always focused on what we can do to find common ground to get to the solution. And going into this 2025 legislative session, there were all these expectations that it was going to be a worse session, a harder session, because Republicans gained a few seats in the 2024 election. We got more done this year than we've gotten done in my first two years as governor.

[Laura Kelly]

And.

[Katie Hobbs]

And it was because we have continued to work across the aisle and stay at the table and get hard things done.

[Interviewer/Host]

So I have a theory or maybe an approach where I believe the things that matter to people most, like a good job, safe infrastructure, accessible healthcare, public safety, good public schools, aren't partisan. And I actually don't even think they are bipartisan because that's some type of deal that people make that they are nonpartisan. And so I think our challenge is.

[Andy Beshear]

How do we get people to approach.

[Interviewer/Host]

Them as nonpartisan issues, the things that we're just supposed to do for everybody.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah, exactly. No, I think that is exactly right. I mean, I think about, you know, families in Arizona that might be struggling to keep a roof over their head because rent is too high, maybe working two jobs and wondering how they're going to pick up their kids after school. They're not thinking about these things as Republican or Democrat. They just want our elected leaders to work together to solve them.

[Interviewer/Host]

So when you look at what's been going on in Washington, somebody that at some point had to have food stamps, needed a little bit of help.

How.

[Andy Beshear]

Does it feel to have a president.

[Interviewer/Host]

Right now that would be the first in history not to fund SNAP benefits during a shutdown?

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, it is really maddening how much they are politicizing this particular issue to use it as leverage, thinking that if we exploit these people that are really struggling and need help the most, it'll move the Democrats on whatever. And it just, it's politicizing people that.

Why government exists. I mean, and so it just, it was very maddening. And even though we're through the shutdown and we were able to get everyone their full November SNAP benefits, we're still playing that political game, right?

[Interviewer/Host]

They're still threatening SNAP benefits this time if we don't turn over all of the data on all of our people, the private information that we have a duty to keep private, where first they were talking about immigration and now they're trying to claim it's fraud so that there is some different Window dressing on it.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah. And, you know, I don't. I think that all of our states have an interest in reducing fraud as much as possible. If someone applies for SNAP today, it could be up to 30 days before they actually are approved because of all the checks and balances that happen to approve them. We check with employers, we check, you know, third party verification of information. And our, our fraud rate. And 2023 was less than 110 of 1%.

[Interviewer/Host]

So as you look at now, having served three years, what are you most proud of?

[Katie Hobbs]

You know, it's hard to pick one thing because when I came into office, there were just a lot of issues that career politicians had kicked down the road. We have big challenges around water. We have a housing affordability crisis. As a border state, we saw nothing but political stuff to actually act on border security. And so just a lot of challenges that we didn't get to overnight, but we've made really significant progress on addressing. I started meeting with local law enforcement to find out what their needs were on border security, how previous governments had failed, how the administration was. The federal administration was failing. I got over $100 million in funding out for local border support. I have National Guard working hand in hand with border patrol, interdicting drugs at our ports of entry, keeping those drugs off our streets. We have made significant progress on housing affordability in terms of the investments we've made specifically for affordable housing, for down payment assistance, for first time homebuyers, and just cutting red tape so we can build more housing. The water issue is a big one in our state and it's very complicated.

[Interviewer/Host]

You can have some of ours. We get too much rain.

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, if there's a way to pipe it over, we take it.

[Interviewer/Host]

We'll figure it out.

[Katie Hobbs]

But you know, we're in the middle of really contentious negotiations right now on the Colorado river. Having trouble, you know, things that.

It'S not always the other party that you're arguing with. Some of our issues in these negotiations are with the Democratic states, so. But we have made significant groundwater progress. Our rural communities have been clamoring for some regulation for a long time. And we've pulled together a really strong bipartisan coalition of rural leaders, actually mostly Republicans, to push on groundwater reform in our rural communities. This year I signed the most consequential groundwater legislation that actually relates to housing affordability as well. We can convert unused agricultural land for housing, saving a lot of water, building more housing, and I've canceled leases for a foreign corporation that was pumping groundwater unchecked. And that was a huge issue.

[Interviewer/Host]

So just a little bit.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Host]

As you look forward, as you move into re election, what's your pitch to Arizona voters?

[Katie Hobbs]

I am 100% every single day focused on how I can make life better for Arizonans. My top priority always is doing what's best for Arizona. I can't speak to the three Republicans that are running, but it seems to me like they're more focused on loyalty to the President. That is over and over again how Republicans have won primaries. And that loyalty isn't always bad, but it is when it's harmful to Arizonans. And so I, I will work with anyone, even the president to make life better for Arizonans.

But I know that we've made a lot of progress. There's a lot more to do and I'm ready to get it done.

[Interviewer/Host]

So to all of our listeners that don't live here in Arizona, what's the reason that they should be following your campaign and get involved?

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, I am one of just two Democratic governors up for reelection in states that Trump won and he won Arizona with the largest margin of any swing state. So people can't sleep on this election. It's going to be a tight race. I need everyone to show up and vote. But before that I need everyone who wants to help out to show up and help out to make sure that those folks show up and vote.

So top, probably top Democratic reelect in the country, most competitive. I'm the only Democratic governor in a toss up race and I've got more to get done.

[Interviewer/Host]

That's good answer. When you mentioned the National Guard which I wanted to come back to, so many proper good uses of the National Guard. Our National Guard has assisted on the border. We've done some of the helicopter mechanic work. But what I see right now with National Guard being sent into states over a governor, over their objection or over a mayor's objection is to me something that the National Guard is not trained for.

[Katie Hobbs]

Oh absolutely. I mean again, this is just one more area where the president is totally politicizing something. Most people don't sign up for the National Guard to be used as political pawns. And the National Guard are under the authority of governors for a reason that we know best, the needs in our states. And if we need federal help, we, we ask for it. Nobody wants their states to be unsafe but they.

We kind of are the best position to gauge whether the National Guard is the appropriate force to send.

[Interviewer/Host]

In well in public safety. And improved by a stunt, right? Yeah, it's improved by hard work over Time like you talking and listening to local sheriffs and law enforcement, figuring out what those needs are and actually putting something in that'll be there tomorrow and next week and next month.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Host]

And not simply get you on TV for now.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Host]

So what is something about you that nobody knows that you think if they did, they'd want to vote for you even more?

[Katie Hobbs]

Oh, my goodness.

[Interviewer/Host]

We've got to ask tough questions.

[Laura Kelly]

Okay.

[Interviewer/Host]

We sometimes ask it like this. What's your secret superpower? So my wife, Brittany can pack a suitcase better than any human being I've ever met.

[Laura Kelly]

Okay.

[Interviewer/Host]

I cook a Thanksgiving turkey better than just about anybody I know, which means mine is only useful once a year.

[Katie Hobbs]

Okay.

I'm a mediocre pool player, but I love playing pool.

[Interviewer/Host]

Okay, so you have the ability to hustle someone if necessary.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Host]

Very good. What's your favorite thing to do when you have a night off?

[Katie Hobbs]

A night off?

[Interviewer/Host]

What's that?

[Katie Hobbs]

Embarrassingly? Watch a lot of binge on Netflix.

[Interviewer/Host]

That's a good answer. And tell me, what's your favorite thing to do with your family when you have an opportunity?

[Katie Hobbs]

So I don't know if you've had a chance to experience any hiking while you're here, but we have. I just went on a beautiful hike this morning. It's super easy to walk out your door and get to a hike, and I'm hiking any chance I get.

[Interviewer/Host]

And how can people follow you and follow your campaign?

[Katie Hobbs]

So they can go to KatieHobs.org I'm on all the social media platforms, and you can find all those [e-mail] governor.

[Interviewer/Host]

Thank you.

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[John Rabinowitz]

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[Interviewer/Host]

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[John Rabinowitz]

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[Interviewer/Host]

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[John Rabinowitz]

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[Commercial Narrator]

Before the trophy and bragging rights are rightfully yours. Before your sleeper turns. In a season no one saw coming. Before stats and projections turn into points on the board and your lineup falls perfectly into place, you flip the lid on a can of on nicotine pouches. And as you make your first pick, you know this is the season where fantasy is going to surpass reality. It's on products for tobacco consumers 21 years of age or older. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Interviewer/Host]

Thanks for joining us.

[Katie Hobbs]

Thank you so much.

[Andy Beshear]

Our next guest on the Andy Beshear.

[Interviewer/Host]

Podcast is Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas.

[Andy Beshear]

Governor Kelly is a two term governor, a Democrat elected not once but twice as governor in what is considered a very red state. Something I know a little bit about.

[Interviewer/Host]

Laura, welcome.

[Laura Kelly]

Thank you. It's good to be here with you, Andy.

[Interviewer/Host]

So we are here at the Democratic Governors association event in Phoenix, the holiday party after you've pulled off a pretty amazing year as chair. Two for two, winning both New Jersey and Virginia. So how'd you do it?

[Laura Kelly]

The same way you're going to go 36 or 36 next year.

[Interviewer/Host]

No pressure there.

[Laura Kelly]

No pressure at all. Yeah, I'd like to take a lot of credit for it and certainly I did work hard as you did with DGA to raise the money that our candidates would need to get them over the finish line. But I have to give a lot of credit to our candidates themselves. We had to phenomenal candidates.

[Interviewer/Host]

Yes, we did.

[Laura Kelly]

Stellar in their own right. Mikey Sherrill Rather from New Jersey and Abigail Spamberger. I think both of them ran sort of picture perfect blueprint kinds of campaigns that I think ought to be packaged and sent to every state for every Democrat, whether they're running for governor, senator, state legislature. Because they did it. They did it right. And they demonstrated. I think what we've all been saying is that Democratic governors really get it. We get our people.

We're out and about amongst the people. We talk to the people, we listen.

[Interviewer/Host]

To the people, which is helpful.

[Laura Kelly]

It is very helpful. And we don't ignore anybody. We go everywhere in our states so that when it comes time to go into the voting booth, people know that they'll be represented by our candidates.

[Interviewer/Host]

Do you see some lessons from your campaign or winning in Kentucky that translated to Virginia and New Jersey? I mean, I saw a much stronger focus on people's everyday struggles, which I think is the only way you or I can effectively campaign and the way we get elected.

[Laura Kelly]

Well, I think you're right, Andy. They did exactly that. You know, they ignored all of the sort of distracting social issues that have been used time and time again to keep people off message. Both Mikey and Abigail stayed very much on message. And when I say that, I don't mean that in that cynical political way. I mean that their message was to the people. I know who you are, and I know what you need and I know what you want, and I'm going to deliver for that. But I think they also did what both of us did, is that.

They sort of ignored their campaign consultants and went beyond your typical media markets. The consultants like for you to stay right around the cameras. And I think like we did, they both went off camera and into the very rural areas, small communities all across their states, so that, you know, come that election day, those people in very rural Virginia knew that Abigail Svamberger was there for them.

[Interviewer/Host]

I think that's so important, that idea of showing up, that in some instances Democrats have ceded certain areas, or at least more votes in those areas because they just haven't shown up enough. Even if the conversations are tough, I think Americans give you credit for showing up and trying, especially if they can tell that you're genuine and you truly want to help.

[Laura Kelly]

Well, I think that's absolutely true. And, you know, I wouldn't even say that the conversations are that tough. You know, I found that no matter whether I was in my most urban area or my most rural area, the issues, by and large, were the same in Kansas. Everybody cares about their schools. So that was always a huge topic. Everybody in Kansas, given the size of the state, cares a lot about their roads and making sure those are in good condition. They care about broadband because we've got a lot of rural areas or underserved areas where it's been hard to get to. So it was really those kinds of issues, like your state health care, you know, they want their hospitals to stay open. So.

[Interviewer/Host]

Which is going to be a challenge.

[Laura Kelly]

It's going to be a huge challenge. So, you know, so there were some regional differences, you know, water in western Kansas, for instance. But by and large, you know, people are people and their issues are often very much the same. And so I didn't find the conversations hard. I just found that they weren't used to having somebody have the conversation with them. And so I think that the fact that, you know, I went out, you know, to the, to the little coffee shops and with the three farmers there. Three o'.

[Interviewer/Host]

Clock, the coffee clutch.

[Laura Kelly]

Exactly. You know, I know after I talked to those three farmers that they went back and they talked to their friends, their. Their church members. So the word spreads. And people, particularly in the rural areas, appreciate the fact that you take the time.

[Interviewer/Host]

How many times have you Heard you're the first governor to come to this town in somebody's memory.

[Laura Kelly]

Oh, it was constant, quite honestly. In fact, I even found that when I was running for the state senate.

[Interviewer/Host]

I served in your district.

[Laura Kelly]

In my district, I had an urban area in the Topeka, the capital city area. But then I went out into a very rural western county, and they had really never seen even a Senate candidate because, you know, even like my own campaign consultant told me, you know, don't bother with that county. There aren't enough people there to make a difference in the outcome of the election. And I ignored them. You know, I said, you know, Joe, I. That just doesn't seem right. I'm running to represent them. I need to go see them and let them get to know me. You know, as it turned out, I'm really glad I did, because the Wednesday morning, I woke up after the election, didn't know that Tuesday night, this was my first state Senate race. Wednesday morning I woke up, I was up by 39 votes.

[Interviewer/Host]

39.

[Laura Kelly]

If I had not gone and knocked on every single door in that rural county, I would not have been in the Senate, and I certainly wouldn't be here.

[Interviewer/Host]

So I know a little bit about close races. Won my first statewide race by 2,201 votes. My second by about 5,500, all less than a percent. But the gift in that is that, you know, that everything you did mattered exactly that every person you talked to was important. And at least for me, that's been really instructive on governing. I. I think back, though, when you were coming in, when you were running for governor, the state that Kansas was in, what Governor Brownback had done to your economy and system of public education.

[Andy Beshear]

And I look at where you all.

[Interviewer/Host]

Are now, and I think it's a testament to what having a Democratic governor and a good governor truly means to a state and to people.

[Laura Kelly]

Well, I think it surprised a lot of people.

I ran because we were in such bad shape, and I knew that I was the only Democrat. I'd had 14 years in the state Senate, so I knew government. I knew how it worked. I also knew I was the only Democrat in the state who had any chance of getting through a primary and then turning around and winning in the general election, because I knew from previous experience that I could attract moderate Republican votes, independent votes, which, as you know, in states like ours, you can't win with Democrat votes alone. So I think the fact that I was able to get in there and, well, and fix that mess that was created did surprise a lot of people that we were able to do it. And I think the way that I did it really surprised a lot of people because, you know, they sort of expected the stereotypic Democrat. You know, of course I care about the schools. Of course I care about childcare. Of course, Democrat woman, too, I might add. Instead, the very first thing that I did was go put our Department of Commerce, our economic development engine, back together again. Because I knew that we, we had to get out there and get those companies to come in, bring their capital investment, need to get those jobs, and get, you know, people on the tax rolls paying in so that we could afford to fix our roads, keep fully fund our schools, and do all the things that a good governor ought to be doing. So I think we surprised a lot of people that we got it done and we haven't stopped. We're still working. I was just, last night I met with a bunch of economic development people so that we cross the finish line full speed ahead.

[Interviewer/Host]

Everything starts with a good job for a family, being able to see the doctor, making sure your kids are getting the best education. All starts with that job. Do you look back at the havoc that Governor Brownback caused in the Kansas economy and see any similarities with the havoc that Donald Trump is causing in the US Economy?

[Laura Kelly]

Yes, obviously. I mean, I will always think that the biggest mistake that Governor Brownback made was his absolutely irresponsible, reckless tax cut. I was in the state Senate when this happened, and I watched the legislature actually Christmas tree up this tax bill and make it as absolutely ugly as possible. The moderate Republicans bought into that because they thought that the governor would never sign it. Lo and behold, he signed it and it just tanked our economy absolutely overnight. And the only people who benefited from that tax cut were those who really didn't need to.

[Interviewer/Host]

Right.

[Laura Kelly]

You know, they completely eliminated taxes on our LLCs, you know, all the LLCs. So your, your doctors weren't paying state taxes anymore, your accountants weren't.

[Interviewer/Host]

Anybody who could set up an LLC for what they did.

[Laura Kelly]

That's exactly right. And so they, they took all of them off the rolls. And of course, everybody figured out how to become one of them and got themselves off the roll. So it completely, completely tanked it. And I look at the, the big, beautiful bill that just got passed. It's got all of Those incredible, what, $4 trillion worth of cuts that only.

[Interviewer/Host]

Benefit plus tariff policy pushed through way too fast without any thought, all of those things.

[Laura Kelly]

So it, and all, you know, it benefits so few and does so Much damage to so many other people. People.

[Interviewer/Host]

So we like to let our listeners know things they might not expect about someone in office. You were the governor of Kansas, but you're originally from New York, New York City. So how's that happen?

[Laura Kelly]

Oh, it happens because while I was born in New York City to a couple of New Yorkers, my dad was in the military. And so when I was three months old, we started moving around and I lived all over the United States, lived in Germany, I lived in Japan. So I never, you know, New York was always home based because my grandparents were there. But long story short, after graduate school I went back to New York, worked for seven years in State Psychiatric center for kids. Got a little tired of living in New York, really wanted a change. So I quit my job, sold my car, sold my condo and moved to Colorado. And when I got to Colorado, I ended up working at a hospital there and met and married my husband. And he was tired of working with mice and wanted to work with real patients. And so he took a position in Salina, Kansas. And so nearly 40 years ago, I moved to Kansas. And no regrets. It has been absolutely a phenomenal place.

[Interviewer/Host]

What was the thing about Kansas that grabbed you first where you said this is a special place to live?

[Laura Kelly]

Well, I think.

The first thing was beginning to really appreciate the quiet beauty of the landscape there. I mean, everybody, I know what people say about Kansas and how flat it is, but when you live there, you begin to realize that there's a very subtle beauty. There's sort of no place like the floor Flint Hills. But I think then as the longer I lived there, and I also happened to get a job where I traveled all over the state, I was executive director for the Kansas Recreational Park Association. So I was able to go into every little town all over the state of Kansas. Wonderful way to get to know the state. Great way to get to know the people. And so.

When that happened and I began to realize, you know, just how special Kansas really is, it really is a hidden treasure. And then as my kids got older and started school, it was clear to me that, you know, just the cost of living, the ability to live in a state like Kansas, I didn't have to send my kids to private school to get a good education. I would have had to do that, quite honestly, if I'd been in New York or if I'd been in San Francisco or someplace else. And so.

I began to appreciate the public schools in a way and then began to learn a lot that actually the public schools in Kansas they are people's number one issue. In fact, it was put in the constitution that you will fund public schools. And Kansans built schools before they built churches. And if you ever come to Kansas and you see how many churches you'll have. We have, you'll be very.

[Interviewer/Host]

We might rival you on that one.

[Laura Kelly]

Okay, yeah, I bet you you could. But they actually built their school buildings before they built the churches and I think that says a lot about how much they value it.

[Interviewer/Host]

Are you able to use that in economic development, how you can afford a home, how people's employees will be able to attend a great school? I remember we had one business that relocated, I think came from Miami to Kentucky and the thing that struck them the most is they went to a cookout for their regional office. It's not little several hundred employees in northern Kentucky and they asked all their employees where they lived and they all own their own homes.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah, that's very much a selling point in Kansas that we use.

On top of the workforce that we have because in addition to having a Great K through 12 system, we have a pretty phenomenal post secondary, whether it's our career and tech ed or our four year school schools. And so we have the ability to. We do have a really well educated workforce, but we also are very nimble in being able to craft training programs that our businesses need. So we use that as we are selling what we have to offer businesses.

[Interviewer/Host]

So we have two questions we ask most everybody who comes on the podcast and the first is the why. And we talk a lot about the what and the policy. But why do you do it? What drives you each day to be able to get up and deal with something as difficult as politics?

[Laura Kelly]

Well, I mean I ran originally and I gave you this story, but that was all Irish Catholic guilt because I knew I was the only Democrat who could win and I knew if I didn't win, somebody else was going to win. And if we thought things were bad under Brownback, they were going to get only worse. And so I knew I could fix it and so I ran for that reason.

[Interviewer/Host]

That's funny. I think I was given Star wars guilt by which my pollster said, you have to run. You're Kentucky's Luke Skywalker. You're our only hope.

[Laura Kelly]

See, you have no choice. But I think on a day to day basis because I get this a lot. Oh, what a tough job you have, how stressful it is. But I mentioned that I worked at a state psychiatric facility for kids. My very first job was straight out of High school, and I was living in the D.C. area at the time and went up to New York to work at this camp for kids coming up from the city. And it was during the 60s and 70s when things were really hot in the cities and the kids were coming up and they were agitated, to say the least. And so I had to figure out a way to work with.

Agitated, troubled people.

And I had to learn to develop a demeanor that calmed situations rather than waking them up. And so I think a lot of it came from just having, you know, figuring out how to make something work, figuring out how to solve problems, figuring out how to make. To.

Create an environment where these kids felt purposeful and empowered to do good things rather than.

Bouncing off the walls. So I think just from early on in my career, I just have. I've worked in situations where it was absolutely essential for me to be the calm one and to listen and to hear and then to figure out how we could solve a problem. So I don't consider it stressful either. I like it. I like problem solving.

And then there's the other competitive part of me that also doesn't like to lose, likes to win.

[Interviewer/Host]

That's helpful.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah, it's extremely helpful and keeps my juices running.

[Interviewer/Host]

So the second question, and you may have already answered it, that we always like to ask, is, what's your secret superpower? What's the thing that you are really good at that nobody knows about? I'll give you an example if it helps. Amy Klobuchar has the best one that I wish I had. She doesn't need a lot of sleep. She's able to operate on very little sleep. It's not mine either.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah, no, that. That is definitely not my superpower. I think my superpower is that I don't take things personally. It is very, very hard to get under my skin. They're just not. Not that many things bother me personally.

[Interviewer/Host]

Yes.

[Laura Kelly]

And so I'm able to keep some objectivity and be. And focus on a solution.

Rather than getting distracted and caught up or angry about what's being presented.

[Interviewer/Host]

I describe the. The way I am somewhat like that. I say I just don't remember past a day when someone says something negative, just trying to let it go.

[Laura Kelly]

That actually. That helps, doesn't it?

[Interviewer/Host]

Yes.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah. I don't. Yeah. I don't hold grudges. And I'm like you. I've got too many other things to think about. I don't. I don't like to waste a lot of bandwidth on storage.

[Interviewer/Host]

And that Next day that might be a person that's pushing for something you need.

[Laura Kelly]

Exactly. I try not to make any enemies because someday I may need them to be my friend.

[Interviewer/Host]

So if you could go back in time and tell yourself to not participate in one trend.

What would it be? I will admit I once had a bowl cut. And if I could go back in time and say whatever you do, don't get that haircut, I would.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah. Well, if we want to talk about hair. Yeah, I went through a really bad permission generation.

[Interviewer/Host]

How big was it?

[Laura Kelly]

A lot bigger than it should have been.

Particularly when I had kids and I didn't have time to do anything with it. So. Yeah, and I have, I have pretty stick straight hair too, so I learned to live with it. But yeah, that and then if I, if I really look back, it would be the all of the polyester outfits I bought for my first job in New York.

[Interviewer/Host]

So tell our listeners a little bit about the Democratic Governors Association. You're the current chair. In about 24 hours I'll become the chair.

[Laura Kelly]

And I can't wait.

[Interviewer/Host]

Well, it's been a pleasure working with you, but tell our listeners what it is and what it does.

[Laura Kelly]

Well, Democratic Governors association is a group that is set up essentially to elect Democratic governors. The organization Speaks spends the bulk of their time out raising money to then be able to invest in governor's campaigns all across the country. They do that pretty strategically and effectively for which I give them a lot of credit because there's a lot of pressure from a lot of people to spend elsewhere.

They do that by nurturing relationships with like minded folks all across the country and use their incumbent governors, their Democratic governors to form those relationships with potential donors to the cause. And then I think the other thing that they have gotten really good at, particularly in the last few years, is.

Boosting the.

Presence and recognition of the role that governors play in the overall lives of people in the country and then in the overall direction of the country itself. And I think given what's going on in the country right now, I think they're having that foresight to ratchet up the.

Global presence of our governors all across the state and let people know who we are, where we are and what we're doing is giving people on the ground hope that we'll one be able to withstand what's happening now because we've got governors in positions who are standing strong.

[Interviewer/Host]

Last line of defense.

[Laura Kelly]

We are the last line of defense. And I think that's become very obvious not only to the people in our own states, but the people across the country. So I'm really thinking as we look forward to the next time we are dealing with a national campaign, we're going to be looking at a Democratic governor will be our candidate.

Current or past or future. I believe it will be a, the next presidential nominee will come from the ranks of a Democratic governor.

[Interviewer/Host]

So you've got 13 months left in office. Tell us how the race to succeed you is starting to shape up.

[Laura Kelly]

Well, you know, it's starting. I'm so glad I'm not part of.

There's been a lot of interest, you know, on the Republican side. There are just a slew of people who have stepped up. I think they really see this as a chance to take back Kansas. I think we've got something else in mind. And so there are some Democrats who are stepping up and I think we've got some really good quality candidates there. I've already endorsed one of them who I think will be able to carry on, you know, things that we have put in place. But also he's young, he's smart and visionary and I think he'll be able to, you know, take Kansas to another level.

[Interviewer/Host]

I've always watched and thought about the race to succeed a two term governor. My dad was one. We lost that next election. And there's, there's an art or a skill I think to that election, especially if that two term governor is popular, about running close to them but also having some of your own ideas, not pushing them away, which ends up really problematic.

[Laura Kelly]

Yeah, well, you know, if we elect a Democrat after me, we'll be making history. We've never done that before in the state of Kansas.

[Interviewer/Host]

So, you know, but you're saying I got to go 36 for 36.

[Laura Kelly]

You do. And so I'm giving you Kansas. Okay, we'll make, we'll make sure that happens for you. But you know, I, I'm, you know, a lot of people are skeptical that we can do that. But you know, I remember a lot of people were skeptical that I could win. I've been there the first time and the second time. So, you know, I've been there. I know we can do this. I also think, you know, you and I are both so in touch with our people that, you know, we will be able to help a candidate coming behind us to.

Gain their trust.

And hopefully their votes. So.

I'm looking forward to working on behalf of somebody else becoming the governor of the state of Kansas.

[Interviewer/Host]

So as we close out, what's next for Laura Kelly?

[Laura Kelly]

Well, you know, I am the grandmother of a three year old and I will be the grandmother.

[Interviewer/Host]

What's his or her name?

[Laura Kelly]

Her name is actually, her name is Laura. Laura, but they call her Rory.

[Interviewer/Host]

Okay.

[Laura Kelly]

And she is going to have a little brother or sister next May. I'll be getting out of office next year from January, and I plan to spend an incredible amount of time with them. And then, you know, I'm not going to fade off into the sunset. I will not run for another elected office unless maybe I get wrestled into a school board race somewhere.

[Interviewer/Host]

But those are tough positions.

[Laura Kelly]

They are very tough positions. Tough work, and I never would have wanted to do it before, but I'll have the time and still the energy to do something like that. But I do see myself wanting to stay engaged with either issues that I'm concerned about. You know, I'm particularly concerned, obviously about education, healthcare, early childhood in particular.

And.

I think it's important to do that, to stay engaged, to give back some of what.

I've learned or have, but also so that I set an example for my granddaughter and the next one and for my own daughters.

[Interviewer/Host]

Well, we certainly need you to stay engaged. Laura, thanks for joining the podcast.

[Laura Kelly]

This was a pleasure, Andy, and good luck in your turn.

[Interviewer/Host]

Thank you.

[Nikki]

Hey, everyone, it's Nikki and Bri. And we're here to let you know that we have a podcast, the Nikki and Bri Show.

[Laura Kelly]

Yes.

[Nikki]

And we've got new episodes every Monday and Thursday. We're serving up real deal conversations that go beyond the cameras. Think motherhood, confessions, sisterhood vibes, boss business energy and TV life tea. Need a laugh? We got you craving inspo. We got inspiration and affirmations on deck. Want a little cry or a big? Heck yes. That's our jam. Whether we're breaking down pop culture, sharing parenting wins or fails, unpacking personal growth, or just riffing on everyday chaos, nothing is off limits. Plus, we welcome incredible guests, play our favorite games, and do what only sisters can. Keep it 100 while raising a glass together. So pop a bottle, hit play and come hang with us. Listen to the Nikki and Bree show wherever you get your podcast.

[Rosetta Stone Narrator]

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[Andy Beshear]

On this episode of the Andy Beshear Podcast, we have now talked to both Governor Laura Kelly from Kansas and Katie Hobbs from Arizona, two great governors with Governor Hobbs up for re election this coming year. So so to talk a little bit about what we've heard and close out this episode, we have our segment My Conversation with the Johns, where my two friends, John Rabinowitz, an attorney and small business owner, and Johnny Mac, John McConnell, runs an insurance company, also owns a couple small businesses. And this week my son, Will Bashir. How we doing fellas?

[John Rabinowitz]

Doing great.

[Johnny Mac (John McConnell)]

What a big weekend for you.

[Andy Beshear]

It was a big weekend.

[Johnny Mac (John McConnell)]

Big year this coming 2026.

[Andy Beshear]

This weekend I became the head, the chair of the Democratic Governor's Association. My job is to lead the organization in the races that we have coming up in 2026. And no pressure on me, but there are 36 of them. And if that wasn't enough, our past chair, Laura Kelly, who's on this episode, went 2 for 2 and in our interview said all I have to do is go 36 for 36.

[Johnny Mac (John McConnell)]

That's it. Our group will be very disappointed if you have one loss. We only expect victory.

[Andy Beshear]

So as we look into this next year, we now have 24 Democratic attorneys, Democratic governors. And so what we've got to do is ultimately win at least one more race, hold all of our current win the seats that are up because of term limited Democratic governors and we will be over half of this country's governors being Democrats.

[Johnny Mac (John McConnell)]

Just for those that don't know, you explained it a little bit. Why is the DGA important?

[Andy Beshear]

Well, the DGA is one of the groups and they've got it on all different levels. You've got the dscc, the dccc, the dnc, and just like you have the rnc, the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee, they're all different political organizations that work to elect candidates. So for me, these will be governor's races. There'll be governor's races in places like Iowa where we just had Rob sand, the Democratic candidate on. There'll be races like in Nevada where Aaron Ford, who we had on a segment as attorney general, is, is a declared candidate. There'll be races like Georgia as well as a number around the country. So those are Nevada, Iowa and Georgia would be pickups. They have Republican governors right now. Two of those are term limited. One is, is not. It'd be taken on an incumbent. But then we also have races where we have term limited Democratic governors, like Michigan, for instance, and then Wisconsin. Our Democratic governor is not running for a third term. So a lot of different dynamics out there. It makes you learn a lot about the politics of these other states. And I remember back to when this was put out as a possibility and I said, why would I like to do that? Why do I want to be involved in 36 races? And one of my consultants looked at me and said, because, Andy, you like making the decisions.

[Johnny Mac (John McConnell)]

Can we turn to these mugs?

[Andy Beshear]

So, Will, if you will give us a little bit of what's going on in the Andy Beshear Podcast Merch department.

[Will Bashir]

All right, so first I've got this beautiful looking hoodie right here. And then if you, you know, if you wear your hoodie, you know, to bed, get up in the morning, you can have your, your nice little cup of coffee with that as well. Like, I look about 35, just, you know, like sipping on my, you know, straight black coffee at 7:00am you know, I think this is a great look for first thing in the morning, you know, and if you go out to pick up a newspaper, if you still do that in the morning, I was a spokesperson. This is a great product for you.

[Andy Beshear]

They grew up so fast. So, Will, now that you're talking about how old we are, give us your best pitch for Andy Beshear Podcast Merch.

[Interviewer/Host]

In Gen Z lingo, this mug and.

[Will Bashir]

Sweatshirt is so fire and drip and clean all in one that you are. So everyone will say how nonchalantly drippy you are. And you're doing it for the. You're doing it. Yeah, you're doing it for the plot if you buy this stuff. So just support our podcast. Well, Dad's podcast, yours too. No, I'm just honored to be a part. And I hope that you guys enjoy hearing us talk every week.

[Andy Beshear]

So the Andy Beshear Podcast Merch store is now available at Andy Beshear Podcast. You can find a link there. We'll put it on the screen. Of the YouTube channel as well. Please subscribe there at Andy Beshear Podcast Remember, you can download us on all major platforms, but sign up on YouTube. Make sure that you are subscribing. Leave us comments in those comments. If there's anything else you want in the Merch store, let us know. But remember, nothing says we love you at Christmas like a present from the Andy Beshear Podcast Merch Store. Enjoy your swag.

[Nikki]

Hi, I'm Jenny Slate and believe it or not, someone is allowing us to have a podcast.

[Interviewer/Host]

I'm Gabe Liedman.

[Andy Beshear]

I'm Max Silvestri and we've been friends for 20 years and we like to reach out to kind of get advice on how to live our lives. It's called I need you guys. Should I give my baby fresh vegetables?

[Nikki]

Can I drink the water at the hospital?

[Interviewer/Host]

My landlord plays the trombone and I.

[Andy Beshear]

Can'T ask him to stop.

[Nikki]

You should make sure that you subscribe so that you never miss an episode.

[Will Bashir]

I need you.