2022 Kansas Governor Voters Guide
Laura Kelly (D) vs Derek Schmidt (R)
The Candidates
Legal. “A woman’s reproductive healthcare decisions should be between her and her physician.” Opposed the proposed amendment removing abortion rights from the state constitution. In 2015 voted against a bill banning a second trimester abortion procedure.
Mostly ban. Is “pro-life” and supported the amendment to end abortion rights. Supports the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Would allow abortions only to save a woman’s life, in cases of rape and incest, and non-viable fetuses. “Hard-earned taxpayer dollars should never fund abortions.”
Mostly yes. Supports effort to reduce carbon output by 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. Backed wind farm construction. Supports sale of gas/ethanol mix to lower fuel prices and CO2 emissions.
Mostly no. Supports a mix of ethanol, biofuels, oil, and gas. Filed a lawsuit challenging Biden’s orders aimed at combating climate change, and opposes a federal measure aimed at increasing clean energy.
Mostly no. Signed a bill expanding business tax credits for private school scholarships, but was “not enthusiastic about… directing taxpayer dollars to private schools” instead of public schools.
Likely yes. Says will “increase the ability for all families to choose the best education option for their child… and put parents and kids first in every education decision.”
Yes. Signed bills to fully fund K-12 for the past 4 years. Signed a bill to provide scholarships to community and technical college students in high-demand fields of study.
Yes. “We will fully fund K-12 schools as required by the Kansas constitution.” Regarding Governor Brownback’s K-12 public school funding cut, says “Kansas must never repeat this disaster.”
Yes. No evidence found of questions about the 2020 election. Regularly refers to Biden as President Biden.
Likely no. Filed a brief supporting a Texas case questioning the 2020 presidential election procedures in four battleground states, saying the case presents important “constitutional questions.” Later said “it is time to put this election behind us.”
More. Vetoed a bill lowering the concealed carry age to 18. “We can respect…the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe.” Supports background checks and red-flag laws allowing courts to take weapons from those who present a risk.
Mostly less. Supports spending more for armed officers and mental health counselors at schools. Opposes credit card companies’ tracking of firearm purchases. Supports strengthening “penalties for gun crimes committed by repeat violent felons.” Is endorsed by and has an A+ from the NRA.
Mostly yes. Supports a bill expanding Medicaid, saying “It’s time to work together to deliver for Kansans.” Imposed a stay-at-home order and mask mandates, but in late 2021 signed a bill limiting vaccine mandates at work. Says will give “no apologies” for the school lockdowns in 2020.
Supports securing borders and a comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. Signed a bill banning local sanctuaries for immigrants. Opposed 2019 attempt to end DACA and said, “This is their home, they belong here.”
Says crime is up in Kansas because “the federal government is failing on border security.” Supports assisting Texas for border security. Introduced a bill banning sanctuary cities. Called a judge’s decision to halt new applications to DACA a “victory.”
Easier. In 2016, voted against a bill requiring teachers to vote every three years to continue being represented by a union. “Unions will play a powerful role to improve working conditions for years to come.”
Harder. Supports right-to-work laws and opposed the PRO Act, which “would require workers to face the choice of paying union dues or losing their jobs” and sent a letter asking Congress not to enact it.
Mostly yes. Said in 2020, “It’s long past time to increase the minimum wage.” “There’s no way around it at this point.” Supports pay raises for highway patrol troopers and state workers at prisons, mental health hospitals, and nursing homes.
No position found.
Created the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice to “recommend policy actions.” Supports policies “that protect Kansans as well as law enforcement from unnecessary escalation and violence.”
Calls for “unwavering” support for police and restoring trust between them and communities. Supports a police reform bill that includes more training on de-escalation techniques and incentives to wear body cameras.
Unclear. Supports a plan to freeze college tuition at public universities. “College tuition costs are no longer affordable for our students.” No position found on Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan.
No. Calls Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan “a slap in the face,” and filed a joint lawsuit to block the plan. “So unfair to families and students who paid their own way.”
No. Vetoed a bill restricting collection and delivery of ballots. Worked to expand voter registration opportunities. Every eligible Kansan deserves an “equal opportunity to cast his or her ballot.”
Yes. Supported bills that required signature verification and made it a crime to help deliver mail ballots. Tried to require first-time voters to prove citizenship. But said: “Kansas elections are solid.”
We have space to include only candidates polling 15% or more, but check out others including Seth Cordell (L) and Dennis Pyle (I).
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