Payne Ratner graduated from Blackwell High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He earned a Juris Doctor degree and practiced law, eventually becoming Labette County Attorney in Kansas. Ratner was elected to the Kansas Senate and later served as Governor, during which he established key state departments and implemented significant reforms. Despite facing antisemitic attacks during his political career, he continued to advocate for labor and government restructuring.

Payne Ratner's political career reveals a blend of progressive reforms and strategic alliances, underscored by his adeptness at navigating complex political landscapes. Ratner's establishment of a department of labor and revenue and taxation reflects a forward-thinking approach to economic governance. His surprising intervention on behalf of Jimmy Hoffa in 1953, despite its ethically questionable nature, suggests a calculated pragmatism in balancing political pressures and personal convictions. Ratner's ability to endure and overcome antisemitic attacks during his 1938 gubernatorial campaign further highlights his resilience and commitment to public service, regardless of personal attacks.