Kansas Senate Secures Signatures for Special Redistricting Session Pending House Approval

Kansas Senate Republicans, led by Senate President Ty Masterson, have secured the necessary two-thirds majority signatures to call a special legislative session aimed at redrawing the state's congressional districts to improve the GOP's chances against Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids. This move aligns with President Trump's push for mid-decade redistricting in Republican-led states to maintain GOP control of the U.S. House. However, the Kansas House of Representatives has not yet obtained the required two-thirds majority to join the special session, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins has not confirmed progress on this front. The special session, budgeted for up to four days starting November 10, may also address other issues such as state laws related to transgender rights. Governor Laura Kelly opposes the mid-decade redistricting, citing potential constitutional concerns. The effort reflects ongoing partisan strategies surrounding redistricting outside the usual decennial schedule based on census data.