Introducing The Star’s new Democracy Insider as KC preps for historic 2026
Kacen Bayless here, the new Democracy Insider for The Star. I’m not new to The Star or politics reporting, but I am moving into a fresh role here that I’m really excited to share with you.
Let me explain.
The Kansas City metro is on the brink of a historic year in 2026. At no point in modern history have Kansas City residents faced so many important, volatile and controversial issues at the same time.
It’s a moment that could change the trajectory of the city for years to come.
In Missouri, residents will be asked to approve a new statewide abortion ban, an overhaul of the state’s most visible form of direct democracy and a potential referendum that could determine Kansas City’s congressional representation.
In Kansas, voters will decide whether the state’s Supreme Court judges should be elected politicians, who should be the next governor and which legislators should represent the state in Washington, D.C.
At the same time, Kansas and Missouri have been engaged in a drawn out fight over the future homes of the Chiefs and Royals. The Chiefs’ recently announced plan to head to Kansas has sparked a new sense of urgency to keep the Royals in Missouri.
Kansas City will also be on the international stage when it hosts thousands of fans from across the globe for the World Cup.
The Star’s coverage should meet this historic moment. That’s where I hope to come in.
For the last nearly four years, I’ve covered Missouri politics for The Star. It’s been an honor and a dream come true. Originally from St. Louis, I grew up in this state. I went to school and college here. It’s home.
After graduating from Mizzou, I worked as an investigative reporter in coastal South Carolina. I provided readers with a look inside a secret government meeting, exposed a toxic landfill fire and reported on the highly-publicized downfall of the politically-connected Murdaugh family.
But I was eager to return home in 2022. And I plan on staying here.
In my new role as Democracy Insider, I’ll be uncovering how actions from local and state government leaders affect you. Our readers — including my neighbors, friends and family — deserve clear-eyed coverage about how the tensions, forces and chaos of politics impact their lives.
At this pivotal moment for our city and country, Kansas Citians are faced with an onslaught of information. In my new role, I’m hoping I can help deliver the news that matters to you.
I’ll ask the tough questions of our elected officials. I’ll try to explain the complicated (and oftentimes contradictory) details that will be on your ballot. And I’ll tell the stories of Kansas Citians who are fighting to make their city a better place.
I’m going to explore these issues in my stories, social media posts, newsletters and community events in the Kansas City area. My goal is to keep you engaged and informed.
In short, you’ll be seeing more of me and my coverage. But I also want to hear more from you.
A major part of this new role is listening to our readers about the issues affecting their daily lives. How can we better serve you? Are there topics I’m not covering enough? Are you wanting more ways to get involved politically? Is there something you think our elected leaders need to address?
I’m here to answer those questions — and work alongside this community as we take on this moment together. As I move into this new role, please reach out to me if you have any thoughts, story tips or general questions.
My email is kbayless@kcstar.com and my phone number is (816) 234-4207.
I look forward to hearing from you and telling the stories that affect the Kansas City metro.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 11:54 AM.
