KS-SD22: Manhattan-area state Senate race defined by religion, education and GOP control of Statehouse

TOPEKA — Two former educators who are vying for a Manhattan-area state Senate seat are drawing lines in the sand on religion and partisan politics ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

Incumbent Sen. Usha Reddi, a Democrat and former school teacher, faces a challenge from Republican Brad Starnes, a former district superintendent. In the undercurrent of their race is an effort by Democrats to break Republican supermajorities in the Kansas House and Senate. A Republican hasn’t won the 22nd District seat in Riley County since 2008.

Reddi has expressed concerns about Starnes’ stance on the separation of church and state. He said at a recent forum “there is no such thing in the law.”

“At every forum and discussion, the topic of public education and school vouchers comes up,” Reddi told Kansas Reflector. “One of my concerns is my opponent’s stance on the separation of church and state. He denies this principle, which raises serious questions about the kind of policies he would promote.”



https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/25/manhattan-area-state-senate-race-defined-by-religion-education-and-gop-control-of-statehouse/