This week has been a busy week in the Kansas House. Kansas House Republicans promoted their number two leader into the top job of Speaker, and Chris Croft as Majority Leader. Representative Blake Carpenter was elected as Speaker Protem, replacing Ottawan Blaine Finch, who chose not to run for reelection this year. Finch’s replacement in the House representing the 59th district, Rebecca Shmoe was on hand and says she could feel the gravity of what she is responsible for and who she is responsible for and the feeling of being a representative for the people of the 59th District is a source of pride for her. She says she is honored to represent the people.
Meanwhile, Democrats picked a veteran of state and local politics to lead them over a much younger relative newcomer. State Representative Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, faced no opposition among the 85 GOP house members and members-elect to his promotion. He’s served four years as majority leader. GOP unity contrasted with a divide among Democrats over who should lead them for the next two years. They voted 21-19 for 71-year-old State Representative Vic Miller of Topeka over 32-year-old Representative Brandon Woodard of Lenexa.
The Kansas Legislature will formally convene for the 2023 Session on January 9th at 2:00 in the afternoon
