Dec 19, 2018

3 female GOP legislators in Kansas switched parties this month

Michael Sykes

The state capitol in Kansas. Photo: Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Three female Republican lawmakers in Kansas have announced they're joining the Democratic Party this month, the Wichita Eagle reports.

Why it matters: State Sens. Dinah Sykes and Barbara Bollier, as well as state Rep. Stephanie Clayton have all decided to switch parties for the same reason — they say the Republican party in Kansas has become too conservative.

What they're saying:

  • Clayton cited the party's decision to "scrap the bipartisan education plan" crafted over the last two years as her reason for switching parties.
  • Sykes called herself a moderate, and said her district shares her views: "I see the Republican party focusing on issues and approaches that divide our country."
  • Bollier highlighted the party's stance on LGBTQ issues as her reason for leaving, saying her moral compass won't let her "be complicit."

The bottom line: Though this is happening on a local level, it highlights the GOP's shortage of women, which could create issues for the party ahead of 2020.

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