Marina
As Kansas Republicans push to hold a special session to redraw U.S. House districts, one state legislator is warning they’re using redistricting as a distraction.
Senator Patrick Schmidt (D) argues the real issue Kansans care about is soaring property taxes, and that lawmakers should focus there instead of mapmaking.
Redistricting Efforts Heating Up
Republican leaders, including Senate President Ty Masterson, are aiming to convene a November special session to pursue mid-decade redistricting targeting Rep. Sharice Davids’ seat.
To accomplish this, they would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers or use a petition strategy under legislative rules.
Maps under consideration would shift district boundaries, likely splitting Johnson County and incorporating more rural areas to weaken Democratic strongholds.
Schmidt: “Masking” Overlooked Priorities
Sen. Schmidt contends the redistricting push is a political play that glosses over issues pressing everyday Kansans face. He states that lawmakers should instead address property taxes, which have been rising significantly.
“Everyone in Kansas has gotten their property tax notice, and everyone is seeing that their property taxes are going up,” Schmidt said. “If we’re going to spend millions of dollars to call a special session, we should do it on the one issue that millions of Kansans want us to address which is property tax relief.”
He points out that the 2025 session saw no major property tax relief passed, despite numerous complaints from constituents.
Schmidt also argues that redrawing district lines mid-cycle undermines public trust and is an attempt to “mask” real accountability failures in state government.
Political Stakes & Reactions
Supporters of redistricting argue it’s a legitimate tool to reflect population changes and correct unfair maps. GOP lawmakers see an opportunity to gain a fourth U.S. House seat by weakening Davids’ district.
Opponents—and critics like Schmidt—view it as a power grab, warning it distracts from urgent matters like taxes, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Governor Laura Kelly has signaled she would veto any redistricting measure lacking legislative input or public hearings.
Rep. Derek Schmidt, now in Congress, has called the redistricting push “questionable,” pointing out that a new map would force GOP leaders to bypass prior commitments to keep counties intact.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed session | November special session to redraw U.S. House districts |
| Vote threshold | Two-thirds in both Kansas House & Senate |
| Target | Sharice Davids’ 3rd District |
| Momentum factor | GOP supermajorities and pressure from national actors |
| Critique by Schmidt | Distraction from property tax relief and other priorities |
| Public pushback | Calls for hearings and transparency in map process |
| Tax issue | No major relief passed in 2025 session despite rising bills |
Why This Matters to Kansans
- Property Tax Pressure: Many homeowners feel squeezed by rising assessments and levies, seeking meaningful relief.
- Political Trust: Mid-cycle redistricting may erode faith that lawmakers respond to public priorities.
- Future Elections: Map changes could reshape Kansas’ congressional balance, affecting representation.
- Legislative Focus: Redirecting time and resources toward maps may delay or derail progress on pressing policy needs.
For Schmidt, those looming challenges are far more urgent than political chess moves.
Senator Patrick Schmidt’s warning underscores a growing tension in Kansas politics: whether redistricting is a tool for democratic correction or a mechanism of political control.
His call to prioritize property taxes and other urgent needs signals a rallying cry for constituents who want government attention on daily challenges—not just on map lines. As the debate intensifies, Kansans will watch whether lawmakers heed that demand or proceed with redistricting anyway.