KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KCTV) – The Kansas Democratic Party leadership is looking to break the Republican two-thirds majority in the 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 rest. We can’t rest on our laurels,” said Jeanna Repass, chairwoman of the Kansas Democratic Party. “We had a great primary day, but now the work begins.”
Kansas Republicans control 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 a potential veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Kansas Democrats want that to end.
“As we look forward to November, we look forward to putting many Democrats in office and breaking the supermajority in Topeka,” said Deann Mitchell, chairman 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 chance to win some elections in Johnson County.
“Congresswoman (Sharice) Davids will keep her seat,” Lucas said. “We can hope for more gains, especially in the state legislative elections. That’s what this is all about – how do you make sure you break the Republican supermajority in the state Senate and House of Representatives.”
On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris nominated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the presidential election. Democrats in Kansas approved her choice for vice president.
“There is great excitement not only in Johnson County, but across the country about the new frontrunner. We are all very excited about the election of Tim Walz as vice president,” Mitchell said.
“Walz will do so many great things to motivate young people. He’s also the guy who gets along with older people, with working-class people,” Repass said. “We’re not there yet. In fact, we’re just getting started.”
The parliamentary elections will take place on Tuesday, November 5.
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