Kansas voters consider amendment to elect Supreme Court justices

Kansas voters will decide on Tuesday whether to approve a constitutional amendment that would change the selection of state Supreme Court justices from gubernatorial appointment to popular election. The measure is backed by Republican lawmakers who say it will allow them to elect at least four conservative, anti‑abortion justices to the seven‑member court by 2033. Supporters cite recent court rulings on abortion, school‑funding, the death penalty and gender‑affirming care as reasons for the change. Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, opposes the amendment, warning that “to think you can make the judicial branch a part of that dysfunctional system is frightening,” and condemning the influence of dark money and gerrymandering. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican and gubernatorial hopeful, called a recent court decision “outrageous” and urged a “yes” vote. Both sides have spent more than $12 million on the campaign, reflecting growing concerns that costly judicial elections are making courts more partisan, as seen in Wisconsin where a single Supreme Court race topped $100 million.

The amendment reflects a broader national trend of partisan judicial elections and could reshape Kansas’s legal landscape on issues such as abortion rights and education funding if it passes.