Redistricting fight heats up between Kansas governor candidates

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Kansas leaders have allocated $460,000 for a special redistricting session this fall, joining states like California, Missouri and Texas in redrawing congressional district lines.

The funding will also pay an unnamed company to draft new district maps.

Political experts say the proposed new map would likely split Johnson County, potentially separating Democratic voters. Republicans hope the redistricting effort will create an all-GOP congressional delegation from Kansas. Currently, one Democrat represents the state in Congress, Rep. Sharice Davids.

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State Sen. Cindy Holscher, who is running for governor, sharply criticized the redistricting plan during a press briefing Tuesday, calling it a scheme organized by extremists to “steal votes.”

“This is a scheme that is an effort to dilute the votes of thousands of Kansans, particularly right here in Johnson County,” Holscher said. “This is about pushing out Congresswoman Sharice Davids, because extremists want complete control of our state.”

When asked about California’s retaliatory effort against Texas, Holscher stated that she does not currently support any plans to redraw congressional maps. Instead, she favors an independent organization overseeing redistricting in Kansas.

Republican Senate President Ty Masterson, who is also running for governor, supports the redistricting effort. Masterson provided this statement.

Masterson said he would like the redistricting special session to start on November 7. On Monday, he approved the funds and scheduled time for a four-day session, but they wouldn’t need all four days to pass a new map.