Kansas Republicans have reportedly shelved plans to call a special legislative session aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional map, a move widely seen as targeting Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids, the lone Democrat in the state’s delegation.
House Speaker Dan Hawkins said Tuesday that he lacked the votes to convene the session without Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s approval. “Planning a Special Session is always going to be an uphill battle with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts, and many unseen factors at play,” Hawkins said, though he noted Republicans still “wish to have a conversation about redistricting.”
Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican and likely gubernatorial contender, called redistricting a “top priority” when lawmakers return in January. “In 2016, 2020, and again in 2024, Kansans gave President Trump overwhelming record numbers,” Masterson said. “They expect their elected leaders to keep fighting for his America-First agenda… We’re not backing down.”
Rep. Davids responded on X, celebrating what she called a temporary victory. “For months, extreme Republican legislators in Topeka have been scheming with D.C. politicians to silence Kansas voices,” she wrote. “Today, we’ve won the first round in this fight against gerrymandering. But their plan to cheat the system isn’t over.”
The redistricting fight comes as states across the country move to secure partisan advantages ahead of 2026. Republican-led states such as Texas and Missouri have already approved new maps strengthening GOP representation, while Democrats in California and Virginia are pursuing additional blue-leaning seats.
Despite the setback, Kansas Republicans signaled their efforts to reshape the congressional map—and reduce Davids’ electoral advantage—are far from finished.
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