Tracey Mann

Tracey Mann is an American businessman and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 1st congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this office since 2021 and is set to serve until January 3, 2027. Mann's district, often referred to as "the Big First," encompasses parts of 63 counties in central and western Kansas, making it one of the largest congressional districts in the United States that does not cover an entire state. Prior to his congressional career, Mann served as the lieutenant governor of Kansas from 2018 to 2019.

Early life and career

Tracey Mann was born on December 17, 1976, and grew up on his family's farm located south of Quinter, Kansas. His upbringing on a farm instilled in him an understanding of agricultural issues, which would later influence his political career. Mann attended Quinter High School, where he demonstrated leadership skills by serving as both the president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the student council president during his senior year. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in public service and leadership.

Following high school, Mann pursued higher education at Kansas State University. While attending college, he gained valuable experience in politics by interning for then-U.S. Representative Jerry Moran. This internship provided him with insights into the workings of Congress and the legislative process, further fueling his interest in a political career. Additionally, Mann was elected as the student body president at Kansas State University, showcasing his continued commitment to leadership and civic engagement during his academic years.

Mann's political career took a significant step forward when he was appointed as the 50th lieutenant governor of Kansas in February 2018. He served under Governor Jeff Colyer, who had ascended to the governorship following the resignation of Sam Brownback. Mann's tenure as lieutenant governor lasted until 2019, when he and Colyer left office after losing the Republican primary for governor to Kris Kobach.

House tenure

Tracey Mann's journey to the U.S. House of Representatives began with his candidacy for Kansas's 1st congressional district in the 2010 elections. However, he lost in the Republican primary to Tim Huelskamp. During this campaign, Mann made headlines for his controversial statements regarding President Barack Obama's citizenship, which led to the withdrawal of an endorsement from a local newspaper. Despite this setback, Mann remained active in politics and made another attempt for the same congressional seat in 2020 after two-term incumbent Roger Marshall decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

In the 2020 Republican primary, Mann emerged victorious against Air Force veteran Bill Clifford. He subsequently won the general election against Democrat Kali Barnett, securing approximately 71% of the vote. This victory marked the beginning of his current term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has since been involved in various legislative activities and committee assignments.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office, Tracey Mann has focused on a range of issues, particularly those affecting his constituents in Kansas. His legislative priorities include domestic policy, economic issues, and foreign policy. Mann has been an active participant in significant legislative discussions, reflecting his commitment to representing the interests of his district.

In domestic policy, Mann voted to overturn the results of the 2020 United States Presidential election. He has also taken stances against certain pieces of legislation, such as voting against the Equality Act in 2021 and the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022. Additionally, he supported the Laken Riley Act, which was a bipartisan effort among Kansas congressmembers.

Mann's economic focus includes advocating for Medicaid and its beneficiaries. In May 2025, he expressed his belief in the importance of strengthening Medicaid to protect vulnerable Kansans who rely on its benefits. He also voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, indicating his support for initiatives aimed at improving economic conditions.

In the realm of foreign policy, Mann has taken a firm stance on issues related to international aid and military support. During the Gaza War, he voted to allocate $26 billion to Israel, supporting its defense efforts against Iran and its proxies. Conversely, he opposed additional aid to Ukraine in 2024, reflecting a more cautious approach to foreign military assistance.

Mann serves on several committees, which play a crucial role in shaping legislation. For the 119th Congress, he is a member of the Committee on Agriculture, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, and also serves on the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, as well as the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. Additionally, he is part of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, contributing to subcommittees focused on aviation, railroads, pipelines, hazardous materials, and water resources and the environment.

Beyond his committee work, Mann is involved in various caucuses, including the House Hunger Caucus, the FFA Caucus, the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, and the Congressional Western Caucus. These affiliations reflect his interests in agriculture, rural issues, and community development.

In his personal life, Mann resides in Salina, Kansas, where he works as a commercial real estate broker. He also maintains ownership of his family's farm in Quinter, Kansas, which connects him to his agricultural roots. Mann identifies as a Pietist, a faith tradition that emphasizes personal piety and social action. His background in business and agriculture, combined with his political experience, continues to shape his approach to governance and representation in Congress.