Cindy Holscher Keeps Kansas Governorship for Democrats

Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher retained the Kansas governor's office after the Associated Press called the race in her favor. The result kept the top executive post in the state under Democratic control despite a legislature that leans heavily Republican.

Holscher defeated Ty Masterson, the president of the state Senate and a candidate endorsed by President Trump. Kansas was considered the most likely state to flip from Democratic to Republican governor control among the 36 governor races held nationwide. Officials spent days counting provisional ballots and conducting recounts in the closely contested election before the final call was made.

Incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited after eight years in office. Holscher, 57, campaigned on a populist platform that included fighting sweetheart deals for billionaires and supporting public schools over vouchers. She also proposed a moratorium on new data centers and the legalization of cannabis to generate state revenue.

Masterson, 57, focused his campaign on lowering property taxes and serving the agricultural and energy sectors. He described himself as the most pro-ag, pro-business, and pro-oil and gas governor the state has seen. He cited faith as a guiding force in his political decisions and criticized his opponent's record in the state Senate.

Masterson had previously passed a tax cut under former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback that triggered budget crises and was later repealed. He labeled Holscher the most radical, liberal, and socialist Democrat on a Kansas ticket. Holscher responded to the attack by stating that he throws around labels because that is all he has.

The election concludes the primary cycle for the governorship in a state that typically votes for Republicans in other offices and presidential elections. The next phase of governance will see Holscher working with the existing legislative body to pass her proposed budget and policy measures.