Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher secured the Kansas governor's office, defeating Republican Ty Masterson in a closely watched election. The Associated Press called the race, confirming Holscher's victory and preventing a flip in a state that largely favors Republicans.
Masterson, 57, serves as president of the state Senate and received an endorsement from President Trump. The Kansas gubernatorial contest was considered the most likely of 36 nationwide governor elections to shift from Democratic to Republican control.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited after serving eight years. Kansas typically elects Republicans to other statewide offices and in presidential elections, and the state legislature maintains a significant Republican majority.
Holscher's campaign adopted a populist tone, featuring promises to combat what she termed "sweetheart deals" for billionaires. She connected Masterson to a tax cut enacted under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, passed during Masterson's tenure in the state Senate. That tax cut eventually led to a series of budget crises and was subsequently repealed.
Holscher also opposed school vouchers, advocating instead for increased support for public schools. She proposed a moratorium on new data centers and the legalization of cannabis to generate state revenue. She directly addressed Masterson's rhetoric, stating, "He likes to throw around a whole lot of labels. You know why? Because that's all he's got."
Masterson campaigned on lower property taxes and emphasized that his faith guided all his decisions, including his political stances. He pledged to be the "most pro-ag, pro-business, pro-oil and gas governor" the state had experienced. He characterized Holscher as "the most radical, liberal, socialist Democrat ever" to appear on a Kansas ticket.
His defeat means the state's executive branch will remain under Democratic leadership despite strong Republican influence in the legislature and other statewide offices.
