Overview

• Gov. Laura Kelly denounced mid-decade redistricting based on old data as unprecedented and urged lawmakers to hold town halls before any special session is sought.
• Kansas can only convene a special session if the governor calls it or two-thirds of lawmakers do, and any new maps would still face gubernatorial action and Kansas Supreme Court review.
• Senate leadership signaled redistricting could be taken up later this fall and the House is considering it, though no announcement is expected this week.
• Republicans are exploring a map that could secure four GOP congressional seats by weakening Rep. Sharice Davids’ district, potentially by splitting Johnson County.
• Pressure campaigns have ramped up with a Club for Growth ad buy, even as several Johnson County Republicans have expressed skepticism about changing the maps.