Kansas Speaks survey: Gov. Kelly steady, GOP figures see approval drop

Public satisfaction with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly remains steady at nearly 47 percent, even as approval ratings for national Republican figures and trust in the political system experience a sharp decline across the state. KWCH reported that the newly released Kansas Speaks survey from Fort Hays State University captures a stark divide between how residents view their two-term Democratic governor and how they evaluate federal leaders and institutions.

Shifting Approval for Federal Leaders

While Governor Kelly maintains her standing as an outlier with 46.9 percent of state residents satisfied with her job performance, support for high-profile Republicans has fallen significantly. U.S. Roger Marshall saw his approval rating drop from 34 percent in 2024 to 26 percent this year. President Donald Trump experienced a similar decline, with his approval falling from 43 percent last year to 33 percent in the latest survey.

The findings point to deep-seated frustrations with national politics. Even among registered Republicans, 26 percent expressed dissatisfaction with Senator Marshall, while 21 percent reported being unhappy with Trump.

“It is certainly not a good result for a democracy.”

said Alex Middlewood, who chairs the political science department at Wichita State University. Middlewood noted that high levels of dissatisfaction and perceived corruption often fuel voter apathy, creating a cycle where citizens withdraw from participation because they believe their votes will not change the outcome.

Public Views on Data Centers and Emerging Tech

Conducted between September 23 and October 16, the weighted online survey gathered responses from 603 adults across 57 questions touching on quality of life, the economy, and local development. Among the most notable findings is a broad public wariness regarding the rapid expansion of data centers.

Kansas Speaks survey: Gov. Kelly steady, GOP figures see approval drop — Photo: newsfromthestates.com

Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State University who helps design and analyze the survey, highlighted the unique scope of the questioning. Smith stated:

“Ours is one of the first honest-to-goodness public opinion surveys I’ve ever seen asking people about data centers in a way that’s not clearly meant to lead toward a preferred answer for an interest group, pro or con, and I think that’s kind of a big deal. I’m kind of proud of that.”

When asked about data center proposals in their communities, respondents pointed to specific resource and security concerns:

High energy and water consumption.
The advancement of artificial intelligence technologies enabled by these facilities.
Potential targeting by terrorists or foreign governments.
Local environmental impacts, including heat generation, land use, and noise.
The deployment of new solar installations required to power the infrastructure.

Approximately 40 percent of respondents anticipated a negative economic impact on their local communities from data centers, compared to roughly 30.5 percent who expected positive economic outcomes.

Where Kansans Stand on Policy Issues

Beyond leadership and infrastructure, the survey reveals substantial majorities in favor of several high-profile policy changes. Sixty-nine percent of Kansans support paid family and medical leave, while 65 percent favor the legalization of medical marijuana.

Views on immigration remain divided within the state. About 35 percent of survey participants agreed that undocumented immigrants contribute more to communities than they take, while 45 percent disagreed with that assertion.

Full results from the annual assessment are available through the KWCH report.