Kansas Democratic Party wants to end in-state Republican super majority, approves of Walz as VP pick

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – Democratic Party leadership in the state of Kansas wants to break the GOP supermajority in the state house and senate this election cycle. Local democratic leaders have identified Johnson County as a place where they can turn some red seats blue.

“We can’t coast. We can’t sit on our laurels,” said Jeanna Repass, the Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party. “We had a great primary day, but now the work begins.”

Republicans in Kansas hold more than two-thirds of the seats in both houses of the state legislature. That means Kansas Republicans can pass a bill, and then override any potential veto from Democratic governor, Laura Kelly. Kansas Democrats want that to stop.

“Looking forward to November, we are looking forward to getting a lot of Democrats elected and breaking the super-majority in Topeka,” said Deann Mitchell, the Chair of the Johnson County Democratic Party.

KCTV5 asked Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas what he thinks will happen across the state line in November. Lucas believes Democrats have a path to victory in some races in Johnson County.

“Congresswoman [Sharice] Davids will hold onto her seat,” Lucas said. “Look for a few more pick-ups, particularly in state legislative races. That’s what a lot of this is about – how do you make sure in the state senate and in the state house you break the super majority for republicans.”

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate in the presidential election. Kansas Democrats approve of her pick for VP.

“Not only in Johnson County but nationwide, there is a lot of excitement about the new top of the ticket. We are all very excited about Tim Walz to be the vice president choice,” said Mitchell.

“Walz is going to do so many amazing things to motivate young people. He’s also the kind of guy who relates to older people, working-class people,” said Repass. “We are not across the finish line. As a matter of fact, we are just getting started.”

The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

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