Nikki McDonald explained

Nikki McDonald is an American politician, educator, and community organizer who is currently serving as a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives. Following Brad Boyd's resignation, McDonald was elected by the local Democratic precinct committee.^[1]

Career

McDonald has earned a BSE in Elementary Education and an MAT in Childhood Development, both from the University of Arkansas.^[2] McDonald worked as a public school teacher earlier in her career, both in Arkansas and in Kansas. In Olathe, she taught English language learners at Fairview Elementary. She has listed education issues as a particular focus in office.^[3]

In 2017, she founded the Olathe Public Education Network, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization "dedicated to promoting level headed voices to counter the encroachment of extremism" within public schools.^{[4] [5]}

Additionally, McDonald has worked on several political campaigns in her district, including her predecessor Brad Boyd's successful Kansas House campaign.

Political career

In the Kansas House of Representatives, McDonald has served on the committees for Legislative Modernization, K-12 Education Budget, and Health and Human Services.^[6] In 2024, she introduced legislation which would eliminate the sales tax for personal hygiene products, including diapers and period products.^[7]

In a 2024 interview with the Johnson County Post, McDonald announced her re-election bid for Kansas' 49th House district, which includes parts of Olathe and Overland Park.

Personal life

McDonald lives in Olathe with her husband Patrick and two children, who attend Olathe Northwest High School.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Irizarry . Lucas . 2023-12-21 . Democrats name replacement for 49th District state house seat . 2023-12-27 . Olathe Reporter . en.
2. Web site: Serving Arkansas and Beyond . 2024-05-24 . University of Arkansas . en.
3. News: Bernard . Katie . December 19, 2023 . Olathe Democratic campaign consultant will join KS Legislature, replacing outgoing rep . The Kansas City Star.
4. Web site: OPEN: Olathe Public Education Network . Olathe Public Education Network . Olathe Public Education Network . 15 November 2024.
5. Web site: Update . Capitol . 2024-03-08 . Capitol Update: Rep. Nikki McDonald wants special education fully funded . 2024-05-24 . Johnson County Post . en-US.
6. Web site: Representative Nikki McDonald Legislators Kansas State Legislature . 2024-05-24 . www.kslegislature.org.
7. Web site: 2024-02-22 . Lawrence teens work to alleviate period poverty for Kansans, cement legacy of their nonprofit . 2024-05-24 . The Lawrence Times . en-US.