TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansas Republicans are fighting to change who sits on the state’s highest court.
Kansas Republicans voted unanimously on Saturday, June 21 to endorse an amendment that would allow Kansans to vote on State Supreme Court Justices. Currently, to elect its Supreme Court justices, Kansas uses the assisted appointment method. It’s the only state that uses this system.
When a seat needs to be filled in the Kansas Supreme Court, a nominating commission gives a list of candidates to the governor. The governor then picks from that list.
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Supporters of the assisted appointment method argue that it’s worked well for Kansans for more than 60 years. However, the GOP is seeking a change.
Danedri Herbert, the Kansas GOP chair, believes it would give power back to the people.
“One whole branch of Kansas government is in the hands of a handful of special interest groups, specifically the trial attorneys and the bar,” Herbert said. “It’s just not democratic, so republicans are in support of giving that power back to the people who should have a say in all three branches of government.”
The constitutional amendment will be on the ballot in August of 2026.
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