Leah Howell is an American politician who is currently serving as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for the 82nd district. A Republican from Sedgwick County, Kansas, Howell was elected by Republican precinct committee members to serve as a temporary replacement for Blake Carpenter in the 81st district, who took a leave of absence during the 2022 legislative session due to military obligations related to his role as an officer in the Kansas Air National Guard.[2][3]

Leah Howell
Member of the Kansas House of Representatives
from the 81st district
In office
January 10, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Preceded byBlake Carpenter
Succeeded byBlake Carpenter
Member of the Kansas House of Representatives
from the 82nd district
Assumed office
January 9, 2023
Preceded byJesse Burris
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJim Howell
Children5[1]

Howell served the duration of Carpenter's leave of absence, which is expected to last the length of the 2022 legislative session. Carpenter will reassume his legislative duties at the end of his military service. Howell was elected on January 8, 2022, and took office on January 10, 2022, when the legislative session convenes.[2][3]

In 2022, Howell ran for election in her own right in the 82nd House district, beating Democrat Misti Hobbs by a 65% to 35% margin.[4]

Howell is married to Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell, who preceded Carpenter in the Kansas Legislature.

2021–2022 committee assignments:[5]

  • Federal and State Affairs
  • Corrections and Juvenile Justice
  • Elections

References edit

  1. ^ McMillan, Laura (October 17, 2022). "Jim Howell - Republican for Sedgwick County Commission, District 5". ksn.com. KSN Local News. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Rep. Blake Carpenter taking temporary leave of absence from legislature". October 12, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlakeCarpenter4KS. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ "2022 General Election Official Vote Totals" (PDF). sos.ks.gov. Kansas Secretary of State. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "Representative Leah Howell". Kslegislature.org. Retrieved January 10, 2022.