Nancy Boyda
Nancy Boyda | |
|---|---|
| File:Nancyboyda.jpg | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 2nd district | |
| In office January 2007 - present | |
| Preceded by | Jim Ryun |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Steve Boyda |
Nancy Boyda is the Democratic congresswoman for Kansas's 2nd congressional district, based in Topeka. On November 7, 2006, she defeated the incumbent representative, Republican Jim Ryun, 51% to 47%. She had campaigned on creating jobs, health care, and public education. Ryun had previously held the seat for five terms.
Boyda graduated with honors from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where she received dual degrees in chemistry and education. She began her career in 1978 working as an analytical chemist and field inspector.
Boyda grew up in a Republican family, and switched parties in 2003. Ryun defeated Boyda 56% to 42% in the 2004 election, despite Boyda's spending $1.1 million on her campaign — by far the strongest challenge Ryun had faced since his first election.
Boyda is married to Steve Boyda, a Marine Corps veteran who grew up on his family farm in Marysville, Kansas.