Cindy Holscher (D) and Ty Masterson (R) are running in the general election for governor of Kansas. Incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly (D) is term-limited.

This governorship is one of five that Democrats are defending this year in a state that President Donald Trump (R) won in the 2024 presidential election. Trump defeated Kamala Harris (D) in the state 57.2% to 41.0%. Kelly defeated Derek Schmidt (R) in the 2022 gubernatorial election, 49.5% to 47.3%.

The New York Times' Mitch Smith wrote, "Even in a national political environment that could favor Democrats, Republicans see the Kansas governorship as among their best opportunities for flipping a seat. … Still, Democrats are hopeful that Ms. Kelly's record and Kansas voters' independent streak could help them hold onto the governor's office in November."

According to The Kansas City Star's Cuyler Dunn, both candidates are running on addressing property taxes. Dunn wrote, "The average taxable assessed home value in Kansas increased more during the last five years than it did in the 15 years prior, according to data from the Kansas Department of Revenue."

Holscher's campaign website states that she would work to" lower residential property tax assessment rates from 11.5% to 9.0%, providing significant tax relief for homeowners across all income levels. She'll add exemptions to our tax system, too, to make sure that the property tax burden doesn't push seniors and disabled veterans out of their homes."

Masterson said his plan to address the issue, which he calls the Kansas Homeowners Bill of Rights, "caps the rapid increases, reins in government spending, and puts the brakes on the runaway train that's pricing Kansans out of their homes. Kansans have waited long enough. Making Kansas affordable again starts with delivering property tax relief."

Both candidates are also running on their experiences in the Kansas Legislature.

Holscher was first elected to represent Kansas Senate District 8 in 2020 and serves as Senate Minority Whip. She previously represented Kansas House of Representatives District 16 from 2017 to 2021. Holscher's professional experience includes working as a mid-level executive at the telecommunications company Sprint and as a substitute teacher.

Masterson was first elected to represent Kansas Senate District 16 in 2008 and serves as Senate President. He previously served on the Andover City Council in 2005 and represented Kansas House of Representatives District 99 from 2005 to 2009. Masterson's professional experience includes owning a residential construction company and working as the director of GoCreate, a community workspace for entrepreneurs at Wichita State University.

In Kansas, gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates run for election together on a single ticket in both the primary and the general election. Holscher selected state Rep. KC Ohaebosim (D) as her running mate, and Masterson selected state Sen. Jeff Klemp (R) as his running mate.

As of Aug. 18, 2026, The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball rated the general election as Lean Republican. Inside Elections rated it as Tilt Republican.