TOPEKA, Kan., and JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau’s political career has been filled with firsts that often go unnoticed.
The Wichita Democrat was the first Black woman elected to the state Senate. She was the first Black person to serve as minority whip in the chamber. And the first Black person to become assistant minority leader.
She’s been in the Kansas Legislature since 2003 and throughout that time people have often assumed she’s not a member.
