Peterson represented Wyandotte County in the House from 1979-1990 and was later elected again in 2005.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback announced Tuesday that flags would be lowered in honor of Peterson.
“Representative Mike Peterson was a life-long public servant and proud Kansan,” Gov. Brownback said. “Mike was a man of his word and served the people of Wyandotte County well. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife Robin, and the family and friends who he loved so dearly. Rep. Peterson will be greatly missed.”
Peterson was 72 years old.
Kansas Rep. Paul Davis, a fellow Democrat, called Peterson a "great friend and colleague" and led the House in a moment of silence.
Outside of the Kansas Legislature, Peterson was an attorney in Kansas City, Kan.
