Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced Wednesday that a close‑race audit will be conducted in six statewide contests: Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and three other races. Under Kansas law, a close‑race audit is triggered when unofficial results on election night show a margin of one percent or less of the total votes cast. The audit will examine ballots in 10% of precincts in each county.
Governor’s race under the microscope
The audit comes as the governor’s race remains unsettled. The Secretary of State’s office reports that Democrat Cindy Holscher leads Republican Ty Masterson by about 5,500 votes. The Associated Press has not yet declared a winner.
Masterson, who acknowledged the early count was “not going his way,” thanked his supporters and said the process will run its course. “If it goes the other way, he’s still the Senate President. So we’ve got some good work for him to do still,” said supporter Jason Carmichael.
Holscher declared victory early Wednesday morning, but the audit will verify the final tally.
Reactions from candidates and supporters
Masterson released a statement emphasizing the importance of a transparent count: “The first count does not seem to be going our way, but the margin is narrow enough that Kansas law calls for another look, and we’ll let that process finish. Every Kansan deserves to know the result is right. Whatever the outcome, the fight for lower property taxes, safer communities and better schools doesn’t end tonight.”
State Representative Susan Humphries (R‑99th District) expressed optimism, noting, “The race is closing closer and closer and closer as every minute goes by, and so we are still very hopeful in this room, about what might happen.”
What the audit entails
The audit will involve a manual review of a statistically selected sample of ballots—10% of precincts in each county—ensuring that any discrepancies are identified and corrected before a final certification. Kansas law requires this step when the margin falls within the one‑percent threshold, a safeguard designed to maintain confidence in the electoral process.
Schwab’s office indicated that the audit will be completed promptly, with results reported to the public once the review is finished.
Impact on Kansas politics
Both parties recognize that the audit’s outcome could shape the balance of power in the state’s executive branch. Holscher’s campaign has highlighted her platform of expanding education funding and protecting individual liberties, while Masterson’s supporters point to his record as Senate President and his focus on fiscal responsibility.
Regardless of the final result, the audit underscores Kansas’s commitment to election integrity and offers Kansans a clear view of the process that determines their leadership.
Looking ahead
As the audit proceeds, voters and officials alike will watch for any findings that could affect the final certification. The state’s election officials have pledged transparency throughout the review, reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
