Dinah Sykes

For the federal judge, see Diane S. Sykes.

Dinah Sykes (born April 10, 1977) is an American politician who has served in the Kansas Senate from the 21st district since 2017.^[1][2] Since 2021, Sykes has served as the Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.^[3]

Dinah Sykes
Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate
Incumbent
Assumed office January 11, 2021
Preceded by	Anthony Hensley
Member of the Kansas Senate from the 21st district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 9, 2017
Preceded by	Greg Smith
Personal details
Born	(1977-04-10) April 10, 1977 (age 48) Tennessee, U.S.
Political party	Republican (before 2018) Democratic (2018–present)
Spouse	Jeffrey
Children	2
Education	Trevecca Nazarene University (BA)

Career

Sykes earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Trevecca Nazarene University.^[4] She was a stay-at-home mom and personal chef before entering politics.^[4] Sykes also served as a PTA president before being elected to the Kansas Senate.^[1][5]

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.^[5]

In December 2020, Sykes was elected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to be Minority Leader of the Kansas Senate.^[3]