NOTE: During his re-election in 2004, Senator Kennedy switched from District 3 to District 1. This was due to redistricting.

Before being elected to the Missouri State Senate in December 2001, Senator Kennedy served as a state representative for five years. Prior to becoming involved in state government, Senator Kennedy was elected Democrat Committeeman of the 14th Ward of St. Louis.

The senator received a bachelor's in communications from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a certificate in desktop publishing from Forest Park Community College. He is currently employed as a realtor.

Senator Kennedy is a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, St. Louis Police Citizens' Academy and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Alumni Association. He is a Missouri representative to the National Council of State Legislators on Economic and Cultural Development Committee.

Senator Kennedy also serves on the Interim Committee on the Regional Control of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and was recently appointed to the Interim Committee on Health Care and the Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security.