The district includes the cities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Greenwood, Independence (in part), Lake Lotawana, Tapawingo, Lee's Summit, Lone Jack and Oak Grove.

On August 3, 2010, Kraus won the Republican Primary for Missouri's 8th District State Senatorial District; which represents Eastern Jackson County, defeating State Representatives Bryan Pratt and Gary Dusenberg.

On November 2, 2010, Kraus won the general election against Kevin Parr (Libertarian) and was sworn in as the state senator for the 8th District on January 5, 2011.

On July 11, 2014, Kraus announced his intention to run for Missouri Secretary of State in 2016.

Kraus resides in Lee's Summit, MO with his wife Carmen, and his two sons Tylor and Tannor.