Gov. Laura Kelly claims Trump's redistricting efforts in Texas are 'sad'

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is calling President Donald Trump's recent efforts to redistrict Texas "sad."

Trump, along with Texas Republicans, are pushing to redistrict the state in an attempt to pick up five more seats in the House of Representatives. Republicans hold a very slight majority in the House with Trump doing everything he can to hold onto that majority ahead of the 2026 midterm election.

The current proposed redistricting threatens Democratic seats in the Dallas and Houston metro areas. Trump has stated that he believes Republicans are entitled to those seats, and Kelly made it clear to 27 News that she disagrees.

"This whole idea that any of us is entitled to an elected office is ridiculous," Kelly said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has threatened to retaliate if Texas goes through with the redistricting. He believes he would have the power to redistrict California in favor of the Democrats.

While states are legally able to change their district map at any time, Kelly believes these current efforts to do so in Texas are not right.

"I think there will be lots of grounds to rule this unconstitutional," Kelly said. "Whether we do it in Texas or in California. I just think it's sad that we even have to go down this road at all."

Trump is also looking into redistricting Missouri to possibly pick up a Congressional seat in Kansas City.

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