Democrat Cindy Holscher wins Kansas governor race, retaining seat as state’s most vulnerable office

A closely watched contest

Holscher, 57, defeated Masterson, the state Senate president, in a race called by the Associated Press. President Trump had endorsed Masterson. Kansas was considered the likeliest of 36 gubernatorial elections nationwide to change from Democratic to Republican control. Kelly, a Democrat, could not seek another term after serving eight years.

Holscher’s campaign priorities

Holscher made a populist case, saying she would oppose favorable arrangements for billionaires. She connected Masterson to a tax reduction enacted by the legislature under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, followed by budget troubles and eventual repeal.

She opposed school vouchers and advocated increased backing for public schools, while Masterson supported vouchers. Holscher also proposed pausing approvals for new data centers and legalizing cannabis to raise state revenue.

Masterson’s message and reply

Masterson, also 57, emphasized cutting property taxes and said his faith informed his decisions, including in public life. He pledged to lead Kansas as a strong supporter of agriculture, business, and oil and gas.

He described Holscher with several political labels. Holscher answered that he relied on such labels because he had little else to offer.