New legislative map sets stage for fresh faces in local delegation to Topeka

A stampede to the Secretary of State’s office Monday in the wake of the last week’s state legislature redistricting has set the stage for an election season that will significantly change the makeup of northeast Johnson County’s delegation in Topeka.
 
The new election maps, released by a panel of federal judges Thursday, significantly altered the districts of two area incumbents: State Reps. Barbara Bollier and Kay Wolf.

Bollier, a Republican, had been the representative for the 25th district. But the shifted boundaries now put her in the 21st district — where she will run unopposed in the August primaries. The newly drawn 25th district now includes large portions of Mission and much of the PVPost.com coverage area, and has drawn a state-leading five candidates.

Bollier said yesterday that she will be endorsing Melissa Rooker, the current Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Legislative Liaison, in the Republican primary for that seat. Rooker is facing off against Stephen Foster and Bill Griffith. Scott Gregory, a former Roeland Park city councilor, and Megan England, a current Roeland Park city council, will be in the Democratic primary.

Prior to redistricting, Wolf resided in the 21st district, but the new boundaries place her in the 19th. But Wolf, a Republican, announced yesterday that she will be running for the seat vacated by Sen. Terrie Huntington, who is retiring, clearing the path for someone new to fill the house seat. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, who lost to Rep. Rob Bruchman in a state house primary in 2010, has filed for the seat with Wolf’s endorsement.

Sawyer Clayton will face Bruce Belanger in the Republican primary. Zachary Luea has filed as a Democrat in that race.