Garden City elects 22-year-old mayor

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Garden City has appointed its new mayor to start the new year.

At just 22-years old, Tom Nguyen has been involved with the city commission since 2023. Nguyen reflects that he is ready to give back to his community at such a young age.

He’s the youngest mayor in Garden City’s history and the city’s first Asian American mayor.

“Here I am at the ripe age of 22, being able to love and give so much to this community, that has given so much to me,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen talked about the importance of being involved in politics at a young age because it affects the younger generation right now.

“Politics is not a far away thing for me, or something I will get into later, it affects all of us so much at the local level,” Nguyen said.

He said being elected by the city commission humbled him because of how well the community has embraced him. Nguyen has enjoyed the support he has received from the community so far.

“People see the value and worth in young people and there so willing to love me, and that is such a good joy,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen said he is ready to implement some of his ideas throughout his term including building 4,000 new homes in the community by 2030.

He also added progressing in the second phase of the star district having new baseball and softball fields that can really re-shape sports in the community for future generations.

Nguyen strives for the city commission to stay community centered and stay engaged with the schools and younger generation.

In Garden City, mayoral terms only last a year, but Nguyen could be reelected if the city’s commission so chooses.