Kansas Lawmakers Debate Right-Wing Activist's Legacy as Charlie Kirk Day Resolution Advances

Republicans approve symbolic resolution honoring late conservative figure, sparking debate over free speech and Kirk's controversial legacy.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Kansas House of Representatives preliminarily approved a resolution to establish 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' on October 14th, Kirk's birthday, following an hourlong debate between Republicans and Democrats over the late conservative activist's legacy and his history of making racist, sexist, and bigoted remarks.

Why it matters

The debate highlights the ongoing partisan divide over how to commemorate controversial public figures, with Republicans praising Kirk's commitment to free speech and open debate, while Democrats criticized his history of inflammatory comments targeting racial and religious minorities.

The details

The resolution, sponsored by Senate Republicans, passed the state Senate in a 30-9 vote along party lines. In the House, Republican Rep. Megan Steele championed the resolution, while Democrats, including Reps. Mari-Lynn Poskin, Brooklynne Mosley, and Ford Carr, attempted to amend the language or add additional honorees like Malcolm X. The debate featured heated exchanges, with Carr accusing Steele of refusing to answer his questions due to his race.

  • The resolution seeks to establish 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' on October 14, 2026, Kirk's birthday, and every October 14th thereafter.
  • The resolution passed the state Senate on January 28, 2026.

The players

Charlie Kirk

A late conservative activist who co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA, known for hosting debates that often went viral.

Megan Steele

A Republican state representative from Manhattan, Kansas, who championed the resolution honoring Charlie Kirk.

Emil Bergquist

A Republican state representative from Park City, Kansas, who spoke in favor of the resolution, saying it represented the values of respectful discourse and debate.

Mari-Lynn Poskin

A Democratic state representative from Leawood, Kansas, who twice attempted to amend the resolution.

Ford Carr

A Democratic state representative from Wichita, Kansas, who attempted to add Malcolm X as an honoree on October 14th.

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What they’re saying

“His movement and his passion for truth and faith, family and liberty does not stop here.”

— Megan Steele, Republican state representative (Kansas Reflector)

“Where was the freedom of speech on that day?”

— Ford Carr, Democratic state representative (Kansas Reflector)

“I think this fits perfectly. They stretched and pushed the barrier with the things that they said, and, in the end, their lives were both ended with a gunshot.”

— Ford Carr, Democratic state representative (Kansas Reflector)

What’s next

The resolution still requires final approval from the Kansas House before it can be signed into law.

The takeaway

The debate over the Charlie Kirk resolution highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Kansas over how to commemorate controversial public figures, with Republicans praising Kirk's commitment to free speech and Democrats criticizing his history of inflammatory comments.