Bipartisan Consensus Building: Making Public Policy Work for Everyone

Kansas State Representatives Laura Williams (R) and Brandon Woodard (D) are a unique team. They previously ran against each other for public office, but are now both elected officials in the Kansas House of Representatives who work together on a broad spectrum of policy issues. In this session, we’ll hear about their bipartisan public policy work, how they approach problem-solving, and why they work so well together.

Rep. Laura Williams (R) serves in the Kansas House of Representatives, representing her childhood city, Lenexa, Kansas. She serves on Commerce, Financial Institution & Pensions Committees and the Joint Committee on Fiduciary Financial Institutions Oversight. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. With a degree from the University of Kansas, Laura dove headfirst into the world of business as an independent contractor developing marketing strategies for small to medium-sized businesses. But that was just the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, she co-founded a Creative Agency with her husband that continues to thrive today. Now serving her second term in office, Laura is using her experience and passion for entrepreneurship to drive legislative priorities that remove barriers for business owners, create affordable access to childcare, and lower the cost of living for Kansas families. She currently serves as Chair of the Kansas Republican House Campaign Committee. She has served on the Community Council for She Should Run, a non-partisan organization helping break barriers for women to consider running for elected office. She is an alumnae of the BILLD 2024 for Council of State Governments, American Council of Young Political Leaders Canada 2024, and Emerging Leader 2023 Class of GOPAC. Laura is married to her husband, Kyle Williams and celebrated their tenth year of marriage this past May. She has 2 children, Eloise and Sullivan.

Rep. Brandon Woodard (D) is a passionate community organizer, dedicated advocate, and proud lifelong Kansan who represents the 108th District in the Kansas House of Representatives, covering parts of Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park. With deep roots in his community and a fierce commitment to public service, Brandon has become a leading voice for human rights, economic justice, and a more equitable Kansas for all. As House Democratic Leader, elected by his colleagues in 2024, Brandon is critical in shaping the legislative agenda, advancing progressive policies, and strategizing on key issues impacting Kansans.