Cindy Holscher (D) and Ty Masterson (R) are running in the general election for governor of Kansas. Incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly (D) is term-limited.
This governorship is one of five that Democrats are defending this year in a state that President Donald Trump (R) won in the 2024 presidential election. Trump defeated Kamala Harris (D) in the state 57.2% to 41.0%. Kelly defeated Derek Schmidt (R) in the 2022 gubernatorial election, 49.5% to 47.3%.
The New York Times' Mitch Smith wrote, "Even in a national political environment that could favor Democrats, Republicans see the Kansas governorship as among their best opportunities for flipping a seat. … Still, Democrats are hopeful that Ms. Kelly's record and Kansas voters' independent streak could help them hold onto the governor's office in November."
