Kansas Rep. Marvin Robinson, Quindaro Ruins advocate dies at 67

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Democratic Kansas Rep. Marvin Robinson, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas, who long advocated to preserving the Quindaro Ruins has died at the age of 67.

Governor Laura Kelly released a statement on X Friday saying "Representative Robinson showed a commitment to public service throughout his time in the Navy and the Kansas Legislature. My thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time."

Wyandotte County/KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner said Robinson will be remembered by many for his strong support for the preservation and national recognition of the Quindaro Ruins in Kansas City, Kansas.

"Representative Robinson will definitely be missed by all those that loved him and valued his tireless work. His community activism and commitment to Northeast Kansas City Kansas will continue to be both valued and appreciated," Garner added.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins also released a statement Friday saying "It is with great sadness that we share our colleague, Rep. Marvin Robinson II passed away yesterday. Marvin was a beloved member of the House of Representatives and served his district with grace and integrity. He also served our nation as a member of the U.S. Navy. We are deeply saddened by this great loss. Please join me in prayer for his family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace, friend."

Quindaro was a short-lived town and a station on the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to Canada. A proposal to build a landfill there in the 1980s led to an investigation of the site and the discovery of multiple buildings’ foundations.

Robinson advocated for the site’s restoration and development as a national historic landmark for several decades before he won an open House seat in 2022.

Robinson made headlines last year after he voted to override Kelly’s veto of a measure banning transgender female athletes from girls’ and women’s sports, giving Republicans the supermajority they needed. The veto came after the governor axed $250,000 in the state budget for drafting a state plan to develop the Quindaro Ruins.

Kelly claimed the request for funding was made at the last minute and there hadn’t been any vetting of how the money would be used.

Robinson lost in the Aug. 6 Primary Election to Democrat Wanda Paige for Kansas District 35.