Kansas’ strong vote in favor of abortion rights – coming in a state long dominated by Republicans – has Democrats and abortion rights supporters ready to go on the offensive in the November election, encouraged by an unexpectedly commanding victory.
Democrats immediately saw in the Kansas vote a possible path to fending off what is widely anticipated to be a favorable midterm election for Republicans, who believe President Joe Biden’s poor approval ratings and high inflation have given them a powerful message against liberals.
“The people of Kansas sent an unmistakable message to MAGA Republican extremists: back off women’s fundamental rights,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Wednesday.
