From Upstate Roots to the Nation's Capital
Kailee Buller's story begins in Auburn, New York, a city in the state's Finger Lakes region. Raised in what her campaign describes as a blue-collar family, her father was a career correctional officer and her mother worked as a nurse. Buller became the first in her family to earn a four-year college degree, graduating from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's in political science and history after starting her studies at Syracuse University. Citing a lack of local job opportunities after her 2011 graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., to begin a career that would ultimately place her in the upper echelons of federal policymaking.
A Career in Food and Agriculture Policy
Before becoming a political candidate, Buller built a substantial career focused on food and agriculture.
Her resume includes leadership roles at several industry groups, such as the National Grocers Association, the Corn Refiners Association, and the Snack Food Association. This work gave her an inside perspective on the supply chain, from farming and processing to the products that end up on grocery store shelves. She eventually became the president and CEO of both the National Oilseed Processors Association and the Edible Oil Producers Association, cementing her status as an influential figure in the agriculture sector.
High-Ranking Roles at the USDA
Buller's career reached a new level of prominence with her service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during the Trump administration. She held several senior positions, including roles in congressional relations and as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Her most significant appointment was serving as Chief of Staff at the USDA, a top advisory role in the department. In this capacity, she was responsible for navigating complex policy, cutting red tape, and supporting agricultural and rural economies across the country. This experience forms the bedrock of her political platform, where she often highlights her reputation for bringing people together to find practical solutions.
The 2026 Congressional Campaign
In 2026, Buller transitioned from policy insider to political candidate, launching a campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. She is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines to represent New York's 22nd Congressional District. Her campaign themes are heavily drawn from her professional background and personal story, focusing on issues of affordability for working families, lowering costs for groceries and gas, and supporting farmers. Having worked to pay her way through school, she frequently speaks about the economic pressures facing Central New York residents. Buller, now a working mother of three, is framing her run for Congress as an effort to restore common sense and deliver tangible results for her home district.
