Cindy Holscher on Civil Rights

Co-founder of the Women's Bipartisan Caucus in Kansas Senate

A: I've been told I'm the most successful Democrat in terms of getting bills that I've introduced to the finish line.

That started with my very first term. I was a co-founder of the Women's Bipartisan Caucus. We're the group that put together the bill that ended the Brownback experiment.

That was a whole lot of navigation in terms of getting enough people on board. And of course, Governor Brownback was in office at that time. We had to have a two-thirds majority to override his veto. So, a lot of extensive work to get to that magic number to be able to get that bill to pass. That was a huge undertaking, but we got it done.

What I will say is that I've been able to navigate the waters in terms of getting bills passed, which might be partly because of my background.

Don't define gender to mean biological sex at birth

Summary by ACLU-KS, 2/18/26This discriminatory bill subjects people to unacceptable privacy violations and puts them in harm's way. Transgender Kansans should have protection and dignity instead of persecution.

Veto message, 2/13/26This bill will have consequences far beyond the intent to limit the right for trans people to use the appropriate bathroom. The Legislature should stay out of the business of telling Kansans how to go to the bathroom and instead stay focused on how to make life more affordable for Kansans.

Legislative Outcome:Vetoed by Gov. Kelly on Feb/13/26; Senate Veto overridden 31-9-0 on Feb/17/26; State Sen. Cindy Holscher voted NO; House Veto overridden 87-37-1 on Feb/18/26.