Kansas House Democratic Leader steps down to pave way for new blood

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas Home Democratic Chief Tom Sawyer will step down from the place to pave the best way for brand spanking new blood within the legislature.

Home Minority Chief Tom Sawyer (D-Wichita) introduced on Tuesday, Nov. 22, that he wouldn’t search reelection for the management place within the upcoming legislative periods.

“Having first served as Majority Chief of the Kansas Home of Representatives in 1991-1992, then Minority Chief in 1993-1998 and 2018 till January 9, 2023, it has been an honor of a lifetime to be entrusted with the duty to guide our caucus over the various years throughout my tenure,” Sawyer stated.

Sawyer indicated that it was an accomplishment to see that Democrats had been capable of web achieve yet another home seat which has grown the caucus to 40 members.

“This development, which I hope to see proceed within the coming years, will strengthen our place to advocate strongly for the problems that matter most to Kansans, resembling tax reduction, increasing Medicaid, totally funding public schooling together with particular schooling, and legalizing medicinal marijuana–simply to call a number of,” Sawyer stated.

Nevertheless, Sawyer additionally famous that it’s time to permit a brand new Chief to step ahead.

“Nevertheless, upon deep reflection, I consider it’s time for me to step again and permit the caucus to have a brand new Chief who will lead us and Kansans in direction of attaining these necessary objectives,” Sawyer concluded. “The subsequent technology of Kansans are the way forward for Kansas–and consequently, the way forward for our caucus. I stay up for working with our new Management within the subsequent legislative periods.”

It’s anticipated that Home Majority Chief Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) shall be chosen by friends to function the Home speaker for the upcoming legislative cycle.

These elected to serve within the 2023 Legislature will vote on Dec. 5 for Home speaker, Home majority chief, Home speaker professional group and prime Democratic posts.

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