Candidates are lining up for the 2026 election in Kansas to replace Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, whose second term ends in 2027. For the past eight years, the greatest obstacle for Republicans in the state Legislature has been Kelly’s veto pen.
Republican Candidates
There’s already a full slate of Republicans, including current Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate Pres. Ty Masterson and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. Joy Eakins, Doug Billings and Jeff Colyer have withdrawn from the race.
Democratic Candidates
The Democrats include a pair of state senators, Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson. Lt. Gov. David Toland indicated he would not seek any office in 2026, in order to focus on economic development projects. Marty Tuley has withdrawn from the race.
Primary elections are on Aug. 4, 2026. Voters will decide the next governor of Kansas — as well as a U.S. senator, state attorney general, state insurance commissioner, secretary of state and state treasurer — on Nov. 3, 2026.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
