Cindy Holscher wins in Kansas, holding governor's office for Democrats
A closely watched Kansas contest
Holscher, 57, defeated Masterson, also 57, to secure the Democratic party’s hold on the Kansas governor’s office. The Associated Press called the race. Masterson leads the state Senate and had President Trump’s endorsement. Among 36 gubernatorial elections nationwide, Kansas was viewed as the likeliest to change from Democratic to Republican control.
Kelly, a Democrat, cannot seek another term after serving eight years. Kansas has a heavily Republican legislature and typically supports Republicans in other races and presidential elections.
Holscher’s campaign priorities
Holscher campaigned against what she described as favorable arrangements for billionaires. She also linked Masterson to a tax reduction approved by the state Senate under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, which preceded budget crises and was later repealed.
On education, Holscher opposed school vouchers and sought more support for public schools; Masterson favored vouchers. Holscher also proposed pausing new data center construction and legalizing cannabis to raise state revenue.
Masterson’s message and exchange
Masterson called for lower property taxes and said faith guided his decisions, including in politics. He pledged to be Kansas’ most supportive governor for agriculture, business, and the oil and gas industries.
He also described Holscher as an unusually radical liberal and socialist Democrat. Holscher answered that he relied on labels because he had little else to offer.
Key points
- Cindy Holscher defeated Ty Masterson, according to an Associated Press race call.
- The result keeps Kansas’ governor’s office with Democrats after Laura Kelly’s term-limited tenure.
- Holscher opposed school vouchers; Masterson supported them.
- Holscher proposed a pause on new data centers and legal cannabis to raise state revenue.