Last Tuesday, voters in Kansas rejected a proposal to amend the state’s constitution to say there is no right to abortion. 

Kansas is one of the most solidly Republican states in the union, having chosen the Republican candidate in all but one presidential election since 1940. But data from the Kansas Secretary of State’s office shows that more people voted in the abortion referendum than in any primary election in state history, and the margin of victory was substantial: 59% voted against amending the constitution to ban abortion.

For many, the outcome was surprising. But those who know Kansas more intimately understand that the roots of this outcome are deeply ingrained in the history and politics of the state. 

The Takeaway spoke with Thomas Frank, author of the 2004 book “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” about how the state’s political history is reflected in this outcome. 

The Takeaway also was joined by Representative Stephanie Clayton, House Minority Whip in the Kansas State Legislature. Clayton discussed how a more conservative framing for the state’s ballot measure on abortion rights ended up being a winning strategy for Democrats and moderate Republicans.