Dr. Jeff Colyer is a 64-year-old surgeon and former governor of Kansas. He served as the 47th governor from January 31, 2018 to January 14, 2019, following Sam Brownback's resignation to serve in the Trump administration. Before becoming governor, Colyer served in both the Kansas House and Senate and as Lieutenant Governor under Brownback from 2011-2018. He is a member of Johnson County and has engaged in international medical missions work.
Dr. Jeff Colyer is a surgeon in the Kansas City area who has engaged in international medical missions work. He served in the Kansas House and Senate before becoming Lieutenant Governor under Sam Brownback (2011-2018). When Brownback resigned to serve as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom under President Trump, Colyer became governor. He served as the 47th governor from January 31, 2018 to January 14, 2019. He sought a full term but narrowly lost the 2018 Republican primary to Kris Kobach. After treatment for prostate cancer, he returned to medical practice and international service before announcing his 2026 gubernatorial campaign in May 2025.