Abstract The electron dynamics in a stable and non-filamentary Argon plasma jet, generated using AC excitation at kHz frequencies and interacting with a liquid surface either at floating potential or electrically grounded were examined using laser Thomson scattering. In the case of a floating liquid, two discharge events were observed during each half-cycle of the applied sinusoidal voltage. In the grounded liquid case only one discharge event was observed, which occurred during the positive half period. Through spatio-temporal imaging of the discharge, its repetitive breakdown behavior was analyzed and divided into pre-, main-, and post-breakdown phases. The dynamics and presence of the various phases differed depending upon the grounding of the liquid. Thomson scattering measurements revealed maximum electron densities and temperatures of 6.0–6.3 × 10¹⁴ cm⁻³ and 3.1–3.3 eV for the floating liquid case and 1.1 × 10¹⁵ cm⁻³ and 4.3 eV in the grounded liquid case. Electron-driven reactions are the primary source of reactive chemical species in a plasma jet. Therefore, the electrical characteristics of the liquid sample can impact the fundamental physicochemical processes at play in the discharge, ultimately influencing its chemical composition.