Kansas Republican Party facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kansas Republican Party
Chairman	Mike Brown
Senate President	Ty Masterson
House Speaker	Daniel Hawkins
Founded	May 18, 1859
Headquarters	800 SW Jackson St., Suite 1300 Topeka, KS 66612
Membership (2021)	871,817
Ideology	Conservatism
National affiliation	Republican Party
Colors	Red (unofficial)
U.S. Senate seats	2 / 2
U.S. House seats	3 / 4
Statewide executive offices	4 / 6
Seats in the Kansas Senate	28 / 40
Seats in the Kansas House of Representatives	85 / 125
Politics of Kansas

The Kansas Republican Party is the state branch of the Republican Party in the United States. It was started in Kansas in May 1859.

In Kansas, the party has two main groups: moderates and conservatives. Moderates often work with Democrats to pass laws. Because of this, some people say Kansas has "three-party politics." Recently, as the national Republican Party has become more conservative, some moderates have joined the Democratic Party. The Kansas Republican Party is currently the strongest party in the state. They hold most of Kansas' four U.S. House seats, both U.S. Senate seats, and a large majority of seats in both parts of the state legislature. The only statewide offices they do not control are the governor and lieutenant governor, which are held by Democrats Laura Kelly and David Toland.

How the Party Works

The Kansas Republican Party has rules for how it operates and what it believes. You can find these rules on their website: www.kansas.gop. Here's how the party is organized:

Local Party Groups

• Precincts: Kansas is divided into many small voting areas called precincts. Each precinct has a man and a woman elected as "precinct leaders" every two years. These leaders help fill open positions in local government.
• County Party: Each of Kansas' 105 counties has an active Republican County Party. Every two years, precinct leaders in each county meet to choose county party officers, like a chair and vice chair. These county parties help find and support Republican candidates for local offices.
• County Delegates: At the precinct leaders' meeting, county delegates are also chosen. These delegates represent their county at bigger party meetings. Larger counties have more delegates.

State Party Groups

• District Committee: County delegates meet in four different Congressional District Committees. These committees choose officers and delegates for the State Committee. In years when there's a presidential election, they also help choose delegates for the national Republican Convention.
• State Committee: This is a larger group with 179 members. It includes delegates from each congressional district, district leaders, state party officers, and important elected officials. The State Committee meets at least twice a year. Every two years, they elect new state party officers and approve the party's goals and beliefs.
• Executive Committee: This smaller group has 38 members. It includes party officers, elected officials, and leaders of Republican groups. The Executive Committee helps manage the party's money and other important tasks.
• State Party Officers: There are six main party officers: a chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, and two national committee members. The chair can hire staff to help run the party.
• Legislative Campaign Committees: These are special groups for Republican members of the Kansas House and Senate. Their job is to find, advise, and support Republican candidates for the state legislature.

Current Party Leaders

Here are the main leaders of the Kansas Republican Party:

Party Officers

• Chair: Mike Brown
• Vice-chair: Cheryl Reynolds
• Secretary: Tess Anderson
• Treasurer: Alan Townsend
• National Committeewoman: Kim Borchers
• National Committeeman: Mark Kahrs

Key Elected Officials in Leadership

• Senator Jerry Moran
• Senator Roger Marshall
• Congressman Tracey Mann
• Congressman Jacob LaTurner
• Congressman Ron Estes
• Secretary of State Scott Schwab
• Attorney General Kris Kobach
• State Treasurer Steve Johnson
• Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt
• Senate President Ty Masterson
• Senate Majority Leader Larry Alley
• Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins
• House Majority Leader Chris Croft

Current Republican Officeholders

Republicans currently hold many important positions in Kansas government. They have both U.S. Senate seats, three out of four U.S. House seats, four out of six statewide offices, and a majority in both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate.

Members of Congress

U.S. Senate

The current U.S. Senators from Kansas are:

• 

  Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

• 

  Junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall

U.S. House of Representatives

The current U.S. House members from Kansas are:

• KS-01: Tracey Mann
• KS-02: Jake LaTurner
• KS-04: Ron Estes

Statewide Offices

These are state-level positions that affect all of Kansas:

• Secretary of State: Scott Schwab
• Attorney General: Kris Kobach
• State Treasurer: Steve Johnson
• Insurance Commissioner: Vicki Schmidt

State Legislature

Kansas Senate

• President of the Senate: Ty Masterson
• Senate Majority Leader: Larry Alley

Kansas House of Representatives

• Speaker of the House: Daniel Hawkins
• House Majority Leader: Chris Croft

Party History

A Strong Party in Kansas

The Kansas Republican Party has been very strong in Kansas politics since Kansas became a state in 1861. Most of Kansas' governors, U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives have been Republicans. The last time a Democrat was elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas was in 1932.

Since 1960, Republicans have won most of the elections for Congress and statewide offices. They have also usually controlled the state legislature. Kansas has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in almost every election since 1968.

Today, about 45% of registered voters in Kansas are Republicans. About 25% are Democrats, and 30% don't belong to any party.

Early Party History (1854-1974)

Kansas Territory (1854–1860)

The Kansas Republican Party started because of a law passed in 1854 called the Kansas–Nebraska Act. This law allowed people in Kansas to decide if they wanted slavery or not. This led to a violent time called Bleeding Kansas, where people who supported and opposed slavery fought. In 1855, people who were against slavery formed the Free-State political party, which later became the Kansas Republican Party in 1859.

Bleeding Kansas poster protesting against the Kansas legislature to abolish slavery in the state.

The Kansas Republican Party was officially formed on May 18, 1859. Later that year, a group of mostly Republicans wrote the Wyandotte Constitution, which made Kansas a free state. Abraham Lincoln, who was running for president, visited Kansas in late 1859.

How the Party Was Organized (1859–1908)

In the early days, the party held big meetings called "State Conventions" to choose candidates for governor and other statewide offices. Delegates from different counties would vote. This system meant that local party leaders had a lot of power. Over time, a new system called "primary elections" was introduced in 1908, which allowed more voters to choose candidates directly.

Early Statehood (1860–1890)

After Kansas became a state, it was very Republican for about 30 years. Many people who settled in Kansas were against slavery and supported the Union during the Civil War, which made them strong Republicans. Laws like the Homestead Act, passed by Republicans, also helped farmers get land.

One big issue was whether alcohol should be banned (prohibition). Republicans were split on this, but eventually, Kansas became a "dry" state. The party also supported new ideas for the time, like giving women the right to vote. In 1882, an African-American man, E.P. McCabe, was elected to a statewide office, and in 1887, Susanna Salter became the first woman mayor in American history.

Republicans vs. Populists (1890–1898)

In the 1890s, a new political movement called "populism" became very popular, especially among farmers who were struggling. They formed the People's Party (Populists) and wanted changes like government control of railroads and a graduated income tax.

The Populists had some success in Kansas, winning many seats in the legislature and even the governorship for a time. However, the Republican Party fought back by focusing on issues that divided the Populists and by organizing their own supporters. By the late 1890s, the Republicans had regained control, and the Populist Party faded away.

Progressive Era (1900–1918)

After the Populist movement, the Kansas Republican Party changed. They couldn't just rely on old ideas. New issues came up as Kansas became more modern. This period was called the Progressive Era, and it was about making reforms.

Republicans in Kansas split into different groups: "Standpatters" (more traditional) and "Progressives" (who wanted changes). Progressives wanted to use government to solve problems caused by big businesses and corruption. They pushed for things like primary elections (where voters choose candidates directly) and civil service reform (hiring based on skill, not political favors). They also supported banning cigarettes and stricter alcohol laws. In 1912, Kansas women gained the right to vote, with support from all parts of the Republican Party.

Optimism and New Conservatives (1918–1930)

In the 1920s, many Kansans felt optimistic about life getting better with new technologies like cars and electricity. Republicans presented themselves as the party that brought prosperity. They focused on good roads, child welfare, and keeping taxes low.

During this time, a new group of conservatives, many of them World War One veterans, started to become important in Kansas politics. They challenged the older progressive leaders. Republicans continued to control most of the state government.

Great Depression and New Deal (1930–1936)

The Great Depression, which started in 1929, hit Kansas hard. Voters felt that the Republican approach of cutting government spending wasn't enough. They started to support the national Democrats' programs, known as the New Deal.

The Kansas Republican Party faced a tough time, losing the governorship in 1930 and 1936. However, Governor Alf Landon, a Republican, managed to balance the state's budget and was re-elected in 1934. He even ran for president in 1936, showing the party could adapt. Republicans also introduced new ideas like a state income tax and sales tax.

In 1937, women were officially added to the party structure. Each precinct now had to elect a precinct committeewoman, and county and state committees had to have a vice-chair of the opposite gender to the chair.

The Republican Establishment (1938–1955)

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1959)

After a period of decline, the Kansas Republican Party regrouped. Many Kansans didn't like the federal government's growing power under the New Deal. This led to a strong Republican comeback in the 1938 elections.

Throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, Republicans were firmly in control of Kansas government. Every governor was Republican and won re-election. Key leaders worked behind the scenes to keep the party united.

"Young Turk" Insurgents (1952–1960)

In the 1950s, a new group of Republicans called the "Young Turks" emerged. They were younger leaders who felt the "Old Guard" (the established leaders) were too focused on political favors and old ways. The Young Turks wanted to "clean up" state government.

These disagreements led to some problems for the party. In 1956, a Republican governor, Fred Hall, lost his primary election, which helped a Democrat, George Docking, win the governorship. Docking became the first two-term Democratic governor in Kansas history. However, in 1960, Republican John Anderson, one of the Young Turks, was elected governor, bringing new leadership to the party.

Social Changes and Government Growth (1960–1974)

The 1960s brought new challenges, like the Vietnam War and civil rights. The Republican Party in Kansas generally kept control of the state government during this time. They made big changes to the state's school system and how legislative districts were drawn.

In the mid-1960s, a new group of conservatives, inspired by Senator Barry Goldwater, gained influence in the party. They believed the government was too big and wasteful. This led to some internal party conflicts. In 1966, the Republican governor lost re-election to Democrat Robert Docking, who promised lower taxes. Docking was re-elected three more times, showing that the Republican Party needed to improve its campaign strategies.

Modern Party History (1974 to Today)

Modern Kansas political history began in the early 1970s with two big changes. First, new rules meant that legislative districts had to have roughly the same number of people, giving more power to cities and suburbs. Second, the governor's term changed from two to four years, and the governor and lieutenant governor started running together as a team.

After Watergate (1974–1978)

The Watergate scandal in the 1970s hurt the Republican Party nationally, and Kansas felt the effects. In 1976, Republicans lost control of the Kansas House of Representatives and a Congressional seat. This was one of their toughest election cycles since the Great Depression.

Less Political Favors (1975–1980s)

A big change for the party was the reduction of "patronage." This is when elected officials hire political supporters for government jobs. In the past, this helped keep party organizations strong. But after the Watergate reforms, there was much less patronage. This meant county party leaders had less power, and the party had to find new ways to motivate supporters.

Bob Dole and the Party (1978–1992)

For about 14 years, the Republican Party didn't have continuous control of the governorship. However, U.S. Senator Bob Dole became the most important Republican leader in Kansas. He made sure his supporters were in key positions throughout the state.

During this time, the state party became more professional in its campaigns. They started using direct mail for fundraising and sharing lists of volunteers and donors. By 1990, they were even training candidates and doing polling.

Second Conservative Movement (1992–1998)

In the 1990s, a new wave of conservatives emerged in Kansas. They focused on fiscal conservatism, believing the state government was too big and spent too much money. This movement worked to gain control of the party from the ground up.

In 1994, conservatives had several successes, electing their preferred candidates to party leadership and Congress. In 1996, Sam Brownback, a conservative, won a U.S. Senate seat, even though other Republican leaders preferred a different candidate.

Moderates Regain Control (1998–2006)

By 1998, the moderate group within the Republican Party worked hard to regain control of the State Committee. They were successful, and for several years, moderates led the party.

However, in the 2002 election, the Republican candidate for governor lost to Democrat Kathleen Sebelius. Also, a new law called "McCain-Feingold" limited how much money political parties could raise, which affected the state party's ability to support candidates.

Republican Challenges and Recovery (2006–2008)

The 2006 election was a low point for Kansas Republicans. They lost the governorship, the attorney general's office, and a Congressional seat. Some moderate Republican leaders even openly supported Democratic candidates.

But in 2008, Republicans bounced back. They won back a Congressional seat and showed strength in state legislative races. This was partly due to strong candidates and a good statewide campaign organization led by U.S. Senator Pat Roberts.

"Clean Sweep": Conservatives Take Control (2010–2018)

The 2010 and 2012 elections were very important for Kansas Republicans. In 2010, with the rise of the "Tea Party" movement (a group focused on fiscal conservatism), Republicans won all six statewide offices and all four Congressional seats for the first time in many years. They also gained many seats in the State House. This meant the conservative group had strong control of the executive branch and the House.

In 2012, conservative Republican candidates also won many primary elections for the State Senate, leading to a big change in Senate leadership. This was a time when the conservative wing of the party became very dominant.

Continued Republican Dominance (2014–2018)

In 2014, Democrats tried hard to win the governor's race, but Republican Governor Sam Brownback was re-elected. Senator Pat Roberts also won a tough re-election race. Former Senator Bob Dole, at 91 years old, even campaigned across Kansas to support them. Republicans continued to win all four Congressional seats and gained more seats in the State House.

The 2016 election saw some changes. While Republicans still won most major races, including the presidential vote for Donald Trump, the moderate group gained some strength in the state legislature, and Democrats also won more seats.

In 2018, Republicans lost the governor's race and one Congressional seat to Democrats. However, they won the other statewide offices and most Congressional offices, and kept their majority in the state House.

Republican Populism (2020–)

More recently, the Republican Party has seen changes in its members. Many working-class voters have joined the party, not just for economic reasons, but for cultural ones. These new members sometimes disagree with older conservative ideas about immigration, free trade, and government social programs. This shift was seen in the election of Donald Trump in 2016.

In the 2020 election, Republicans had broad success in Kansas, winning most primary and general elections. They won the U.S. Senate seat and three out of four Congressional seats. They also kept their majority in the State Senate and House.

The 2022 election saw new legislative district lines. Republicans continued their strong performance, re-electing Senator Jerry Moran and most Congressional incumbents. They also won most statewide offices, though the Republican candidate for governor lost to the incumbent Democrat.

Prominent Kansas Republicans

Here are some well-known Republicans from Kansas:

• Sam Brownback (U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Governor)
• Arthur Capper (Governor, U.S. Senate)
• Frank Carlson (U.S. House, Governor, U.S. Senate)
• Charles Curtis (U.S. House, U.S. Senate, U.S. Vice President)
• Bob Dole (U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Republican National Committee Chairman, Vice Presidential and Presidential Nominee)
• Dwight D. Eisenhower (President of the United States)
• Bill Graves (Secretary of State, Governor)
• John D. M. Hamilton (House Speaker, State Party Chairman, Republican National Committee Chair)
• Nancy Kassebaum (U.S. Senate)
• Alf Landon (Governor, Presidential Nominee)

Kansas Republican Party Chairmen

Republican National Committee Members

These individuals represent Kansas Republicans on the national committee.

National Committeemen

• Mark Kahrs (since July 2016)
• Todd Tiahrt (2011–2016), also U.S. Representative
• Mike Pompeo (2008–2011), also U.S. Representative, CIA Director, and U.S. Secretary of State
• Steve Cloud (2003–2008)
• Calvin James (2000–2003)
• Dwight Sutherland (1997–2000)
• Mike Harris (1996–1997)
• Jack Ranson (1987–1996)
• Huck Boyd (1966–1987)
• Sam Mellinger (1964–1966)
• Harry Darby (1940–1964), also U.S. Senator
• John D. M. Hamilton (1932–1940), also Republican National Committee Chair
• David W. Mulvane (1920–1932; 1900–1912)
• Fred Stanley (1912–1920)
• Cyrus Leland, Jr. (1884–1900)
• John A. Martin (1872–1884; 1868–1870), also Kansas Governor
• Samuel C. Pomeroy (1870–1872), also U.S. Senator
• Samuel J. Crawford (1866–1868)
• James H. Lane (1864–1866), also U.S. Senator
• William A. Phillips (1860–1864)
• Martin Conway (1856–1860), also U.S. Representative

National Committeewomen

• Wendy Bingesser (since July 2024)
• Kim Borchers (2020–2024)
• Helen Van Etten (2008–2020)
• Alicia Salisbury (2004–2008)
• June Cooper (2000–2004)
• Mary Alice Lair (1988–2000), also state party chair
• Marynell Reece (1975–1988)
• Beth Rodgers (1968–1975)
• Jerrene Mellinger (1966–1968)
• Donna Addington (1964–1966)
• Florence Emma Semple (1952–1964)
• Eleanor S. Harris (1936–1952)
• Elizabeth Bittman (1924–1936)

Film and Literature

• The documentary series How Democracy Works Now: Twelve Stories shows how the Kansas Republican Party works and how it dealt with immigration issues in the early 2000s.
• The book What's the Matter with Kansas? by Thomas Frank talks about how Republicans became so strong in Kansas politics by using a more populist (appealing to common people) style of conservatism.

See also