WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Republicans are sweeping elections nationwide and in Kansas.
At first glance, there might not seem to be a huge difference at the state level. Republicans keep their majorities in the state board of education and the state legislature.
Neal Allen, an associate professor of political science at WSU, said that by looking beyond the numbers, one can learn more about how these results could change policy.
The new school board members are expected to bring different policies.
“The replacement of retiring moderate Republicans to much more conservative Republicans might lead to a significant shift in some school board policies,” Allen said.
According to Allen, the new board could make significant policy changes for public schools.
“More top-down control of local school districts,” Allen said.
He said he would expect a similar shift in power at the statehouse.
“There will be several Republicans in the state legislature who will call for another ‘Value Them Both’ style abortion ban amendment,” Allen said.
He said Republican leadership will likely shy away from the more controversial conservative initiatives, but the push will remain.
On the local level, Stephanie Wise easily won her race for county commission in District 3 over Democrat Celeste Racette. Incumbent Democrat Sarah Lopez lost in a closer race in District 2 to Republican Jeff Blubaugh.
Allen said having no Democrats on the Sedgwick County Commission isn’t surprising.
“That really doesn’t change much,” Allen said.
He said the county commission will continue to consist of people who want to help large employers and keep taxes low. He also said that Lopez was a Democrat who tended to lean moderate, while Blubaugh’s record on Wichita’s City Council was more conservative.