The Hon. Thomas J. Drees is a judge for the 23rd Judicial District Court of Kansas. He was elected to the bench on November 3, 2020.
The 23rd Judicial District encompasses Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego Counties.
Prior to his appointment, Drees was the County Attorney for Ellis County (1997 to 2020) and Trego County (1997 to 2000).
Drees earned a bachelor’s degree from Ft. Hays State University in 1986. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Kansas School of Law in 1989.
After graduating from law school, Drees began his legal career as an associate at Glassman Bird & Braun. He remained with the firm until 1996, supplementing his practice with service as an assistant county attorney with the Ellis County Attorney’s Office.
His memberships have included the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, the Ellis County Bar Association, and the Kansas Bar Association. He has also been involved with the Kansas Sentencing Commission, the Kansas Recodification Commission, and the Boards of Directors of the High Plains Mental Health Center, the Court Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains, and the Ellis County Historical Society.
Born and raised in Hays, Kansas, Drees attended Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. He and his wife, Patricia, have two grown children. Drees is a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council.
He is registered as a Republican.