Kansas Can’t Wait To Redraw
Democratic-run states didn’t wait to stack the deck. Do not let Kansas be the reason Democrats side track Trump's America 1st agenda!
Democratic-run states didn’t wait to stack the deck. Look at Illinois, where the 2021 congressional plan was widely scored as advantaging Democrats by independent analysts like the Princeton Gerrymandering Project (PGP). Gerrymander
Even in Connecticut, a “bipartisan” commission left in place a contorted map that protects incumbents and preserves a Democratic advantage; the state’s own press called it “contorted”. CT Mirror
The broader picture isn’t subtle: multiple national analyses show partisan map-drawing materially affects House control, and the Democrats have been doing it cycle after cycle. ABC News+1
What Kansas can do—and how
Kansas can force a special session to address congressional lines. Under Article 1, §5 of the Kansas Constitution, the Governor may call a special session, and must do so if at least two-thirds of each chamber petitions for it.
That petition drive is underway. Reporting shows GOP leaders are circulating signatures to reconvene for mid-decade redistricting aimed at ending the 3–1 split by defeating the state’s lone Democratic member of Congress. Gov. Laura Kelly has publicly acknowledged and reacted to the push. After encouraging states like California to change their Constitution to gerrymander their state, Gov. Kelly is badmouthing Republicans in her own state for attempting to respond.
Where the votes stand: signs point to enough support in the Kansas Senate, but the Kansas House isn’t there yet—leadership has asked members to sign, but counts remain short. Multiple outlets describe the current effort and the political math. The opposition in the Republican ranks is being lead by moderate Rep. Mark Schreiber (R-Emporia), but others are holding out including Rep. Nathan Butler (R-Junction City/Council Grove).
Kansas already navigated this terrain: in 2022, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld the Legislature’s congressional map against partisan-gerrymandering claims, establishing a key precedent that maps drawn by the Legislature can survive in state court. That matters for any mid-cycle update.
Meanwhile, Republican members of our congressional delegation have weighed in backing a special session to redraw the lines—reinforcing that Washington stakes are real and immediate.
Why the timing matters: the U.S. House is razor thin
As of the 119th Congress (2025-26), Republicans hold a narrow House edge—219 to 212, with four vacancies (CRS). The Senate sits 53–47 Republican (Bloomberg Government). Even a handful of flipped seats can swing control.
Mid-decade maps in states across the country are moving right now—if we do nothing and Democrats net even a few seats elsewhere, the House majority is at risk in the 2026 midterms.
What a Democrat Congress would mean (again)
Control of the House means control of the agenda, gavels, investigations—and impeachment. Constitutionally, a simple majority in the House is all that’s required to impeach a federal official, including a president. We’ve seen this movie before.
Even short of impeachment, a Democratic majority would bottle up conservative legislation, re-weaponize oversight, and slow-roll Trump’s agenda and appropriations leverage—tools Congress uses every day. The Same party demanding more spending before agreeing to reopen the government will gladly use their new majority to fight Trump at every turn.
Don’t bring a handshake to a knife fight
Democratic-leaning states have already maximized their advantages (see Illinois). Kansans shouldn’t pretend we live in a vacuum. The law gives us a clear route: two-thirds petition ⇒ special session ⇒ map (subject to the same state-court rules that already validated the 2022 plan). If others play hardball, we cannot unilaterally disarm.
Call to action—for House members in particular
Ask Your State Representative to support a Special Session. The Senate appears ready; the House must close the gap. If you believe Kansas voters deserve fair representation that reflects how our state actually votes for Congress, the next step is procedural—and urgent. CLICK HERE to find your Representative (once you speak to him/her, please let us know their response!)
Adopt a map that reflects Kansas, not D.C. The 2022 decision shows what will likely stand up in court. Draw lines that are lawful, accountable—and that don’t gift our state’s voice to coastal priorities.
Bottom line: The balance of the U.S. House—and whether the next two years advance an America-first agenda or rerun an impeachment circus—will be decided seat by seat. Kansas should not leave ours to chance. Call the session. Draw the map. Protect the majority.
ALSO! Last week, we asked our readers who they supported for Governor. Did you respond?