Kansas is weird. Not bad-weird, just politically fascinating. It’s a place where a Democrat like Laura Kelly can win twice in a state that Donald Trump carried by double digits. But here's the thing: Kelly is hitting her term limit. She’s out. That means for the 2026 Kansas gubernatorial election, the floodgates are officially open.
If you’re wondering who is running for Kansas governor, you’re looking at a crowded field that feels like a "Who's Who" of Topeka's legislative halls and local business circles. This isn't just about a name on a ballot; it's a fight over whether Kansas stays in that middle-of-the-road "Kelly style" groove or swings hard back to the conservative policies of the Sam Brownback era. Honestly, the stakes couldn't be higher for things like your property taxes and school funding.
The GOP Heavyweights: A Battle for the Soul of the Party
The Republican side is a bit of a shark tank right now. You’ve got long-term insiders, business newcomers, and even a former governor trying to make a comeback.
Ty Masterson is a huge name here. As the President of the Kansas Senate, he’s basically been the primary antagonist to Laura Kelly’s agenda for years. He’s got the name ID and the legislative record to prove he’s a "true-blue" conservative—well, true-red. He’s been a vocal supporter of redistricting efforts and has frequently locked horns with the current administration over tax cuts and social issues.
Then there is Jeff Colyer. Remember him? He served as governor for about a year after Brownback left for a diplomatic post. He lost a razor-thin primary to Kris Kobach in 2018, and it looks like he’s ready for a Round 3. He’s a plastic surgeon by trade, which gives him that "outsider-insider" vibe.
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But don't count out the "row offices." Vicki Schmidt, the current Insurance Commissioner, and Scott Schwab, the Secretary of State, are both in the mix. Schmidt has been around forever—she was in the State Senate for over a decade before taking over the insurance office. She’s often seen as a more moderate-leaning Republican compared to the firebrands, which might help her in a general election but makes the primary a steep climb.
Other Republicans who have thrown their hats in the ring or are making serious noise include:
- Doug Billings: A conservative radio host who has built a following on the airwaves.
- Joy Eakins: A former Wichita school board member focusing on education and parental rights.
- Philip Sarnecki: A financial services executive from Bucyrus who is running on a platform of "shredding red tape."
- Charlotte O'Hara: A former Johnson County Commissioner with a very vocal conservative base.
- Stacy Rogers: A business owner from Wichita who wants to "comb through" state departments for waste.
The Democratic Quest to Keep the Mansion
For the Democrats, the question is simple: Can anyone replicate the "Laura Kelly Magic"? Kelly won by pulling in moderate Republicans and independents. Without her on the ticket, the math gets a lot harder.
Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher are the two state senators currently leading the charge. Both are from Johnson County. That makes sense, right? JoCo is the engine that drives Democratic wins in Kansas these days. Corson is a former executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, so he knows the ground game. Holscher has been a vocal advocate for middle-class tax relief and has a background in advertising.
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Then there's the big "what if" name: Sharice Davids. She’s the U.S. Representative for the 3rd District. While she hasn't officially jumped in as of early 2026, she’s "opened the door" to a statewide run, especially depending on how the new congressional maps look. If she runs, she instantly becomes the frontrunner. If she doesn't, the primary between Corson and Holscher will be a real test of the party's direction.
Marty Tuley, a teacher from Lawrence, has also declared his candidacy, bringing a focus on public education to the Democratic primary.
Why This Race is a National Bellwether
National pundits are already circling Kansas like hawks. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have mostly rated this race as Lean Republican. Why? Because Kansas is still a red state at its core. In 2024, Trump won here easily.
However, Kansas voters have a weirdly consistent habit. Since 1957, neither party has held the governor's office for more than eight years in a row. It’s like a built-in "reset" button. Since a Democrat has been in charge for eight years (2019-2027), history says a Republican is due. But history doesn't vote; people do.
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The "independent" factor is also huge. Sharilyn Ray, a social work nonprofit CEO from Wichita, is running as an independent. In a close race, an independent candidate can play spoiler. Just look at 2022, where independent Dennis Pyle pulled enough votes to make Republicans sweat.
The Issues That Will Actually Decide This
When you're looking at who is running for Kansas governor, don't just look at the faces. Look at the friction points.
- Property Taxes: This is the big one. Kansans are feeling the squeeze, and every candidate is promising a fix. The difference is how. Republicans want broad cuts; Democrats tend to favor targeted relief for seniors and low-income homeowners.
- Education Funding: The "Gannon" lawsuit years were a nightmare for Kansas. Candidates are being grilled on whether they’ll keep the schools fully funded or if they’ll pivot toward "vouchers" or "education savings accounts."
- Abortion: Even though Kansas voters sent a massive message in 2022 by protecting abortion rights in the state constitution, the issue hasn't gone away. Candidates like Vicki Schmidt have expressed support for "reasonable exceptions," while others in the GOP field are much more hardline.
What You Should Do Next
The primary election is set for August 4, 2026, and the general election is November 3, 2026. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here's the playbook:
- Check your registration: Kansas has closed primaries. If you want to vote for a Republican or Democrat in August, you have to be registered with that party.
- Watch the "JoCo" shift: Keep an eye on Johnson County. It’s the most populous county in the state. If a Republican candidate can't win back some of those suburban voters, they’re going to have a hard time winning the whole thing.
- Follow the money: In Kansas, the "Ethics Commission" reports are gold. See who is funding these campaigns. Is it local grassroots donors or out-of-state PACs? It tells you a lot about who a candidate will actually listen to once they're in the Governor's Mansion.
The race is still early, but the lines are drawn. Whether it’s a legislative titan like Masterson or a rising Democratic star from the suburbs, the person who wins will define Kansas for the next decade.