Kansas Race: Democrat Holscher Defeats Senate President Masterson
The Associated Press called the closely contested election after days of recounting provisional ballots, securing a second term for the Democratic Party in the governor's mansion.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Kansas politics have long favored the Republican Party, with the state frequently voting for Republican candidates in presidential and legislative races. On November 12, 2026, Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher defeated Republican Ty Masterson to retain the governor's office for her party.
The Associated Press made the race call after local officials completed recounts and counted provisional ballots over several days. Masterson, the current president of the state Senate, had the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Among 36 gubernatorial elections held nationwide, observers identified Kansas as the most likely state to flip from Democratic to Republican control.
The contest followed an eight-year tenure by current Gov. Laura Kelly, who is term-limited. The state legislature remains heavily Republican, a dynamic that usually disadvantages Democratic candidates. Holscher, 57, campaigned on a populist platform that included a promise to fight "sweetheart deals" for billionaires. She contrasted herself with Masterson by opposing school vouchers and calling for increased support for public schools. Holscher also proposed a moratorium on new data centers and the legalization of cannabis to generate state revenue.
Masterson, also 57, campaigned on lowering property taxes and described his faith as a guiding force in all decisions. He pledged to be the "most pro-ag, pro-business, pro-oil and gas governor" the state has seen. During the campaign, Masterson labeled Holscher "the most radical, liberal, socialist Democrat ever" on a Kansas ticket.
Holscher responded to the criticism by stating, "He likes to throw around a whole lot of labels. You know why? Because that's all he's got." The campaign also highlighted Masterson's role in passing a tax cut under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, a measure that triggered a series of budget crises before it was repealed.
With the race called, Holscher will remain in the governor's office, while Masterson will likely step down from his role as state Senate president.
