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People first. Democrat for better government.
Mom always.
People first. Democrat for better government.
Mom always.
Kelly Thompson grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and a rich blend of Polish and Mexican traditions. Raised by her mother, she learned early on the fragility of opportunity and the power of perseverance.
Those experiences instilled in her a deep commitment to equity, hard work, and helping others — a commitment that continues to fuel her public service today.
As the first in her family to attend college, Kelly knows firsthand that education can change lives. Opportunity should never be limited by the circumstances you’re born into, your access to money, or where you come from.
After graduating from the University of Missouri - Columbia, Kelly’s career began in Washington, D.C. where she spent a decade working as a journalist and television producer covering environmental and energy policy on Capitol Hill. There, she developed a knack for bringing clarity to complexity and connecting people to the systems shaping their communities, professions, and lives. At E&E News, she launched the first online video unit credentialed in the Congressional Press Corps, pioneering digital storytelling at a pivotal moment in news media.
After moving back to Kansas City in 2008, Kelly earned a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and has spent the last 10 years leading innovation, strategy, and delivery for organizations focused on education, community development, climate resilience, and technology. She excels at aligning diverse stakeholders, empowering teams to experiment and grow, and creating conditions for people to thrive, always focused on turning ambitious goals into real, measurable outcomes.
Her most rewarding role, however, has been motherhood. As a solo parent to two incredible daughters, Kelly is building a home rooted in connection, love, and resilience—the same values she champions in her public leadership.
Kelly’s career and personal experience uniquely position her to serve Jackson County. She envisions a county where public health, economic opportunity, education, and climate resilience are prioritized; where communities feel heard and supported; and where every child can flourish in vibrant, safe communities.
She believes the county deserves thoughtful, visionary governance that listens, solves problems, and delivers results for all residents, not just the well-connected.
If you believe in leadership rooted in empathy, systems thinking, and action, Kelly Thompson invites you to join her in building a stronger, more resilient Jackson County together.