Cindy Holscher wins Kansas governor’s race, defeating Republican Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson in the open contest to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, according to projections by The Associated Press.
The outcome keeps the governor’s office under Democratic control and marks the party’s third consecutive win in Kansas gubernatorial contests. Kelly captured the seat in 2018 and won reelection in 2022.
Cindy Holscher wins Kansas governor’s race
The result highlights Democrats’ continued strength in statewide governor races even as Republicans have dominated Kansas in presidential elections since 1968. Republicans similarly held a long winning streak in Mississippi before the Scott Colom Senate race win ended the GOP run there.
Holscher, a Democratic state senator since 2021 and previously a member of the Kansas House for four years, secured her party’s nomination by defeating fellow state Sen. Ethan Corson in the August primary. Corson had been endorsed by Kelly and former Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
During the general election, Holscher faced criticism over resurfaced 2023 social media posts in which she suggested Jesus Christ could have been transgender. Those comments surfaced amid debate over legislation seeking to restrict drag performances in front of children.
Holscher celebrated her victory on X, thanking voters as she prepares to take office. “Thank you, Kansas! It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as your next Governor,” she wrote.
Masterson, endorsed by former President Donald Trump in a crowded GOP primary, conceded in a post on X and said he called Holscher to congratulate her. “It looks like we will come up just short, but the things we fought for are no less important today than they were yesterday,” he said.
Masterson, who has served as Kansas Senate president since 2021, noted Republicans maintain control of the Legislature. He said he will return to the Senate in January to focus on property taxes, public safety, affordability and schools.
