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Politics · November 12, 2026

Democrat Cindy Holscher Wins Kansas Governor’s Race

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Democratic state Senator Cindy Holscher has won the Kansas gubernatorial race, defeating Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson. The victory, projected by outlets including the Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ on November 12, 2026, ensures that Kansas will have back-to-back female governors as Holscher succeeds the term-limited Governor Laura Kelly. The race was extremely close, with Holscher securing approximately 50.3 percent of the vote compared to Masterson's 49.7 percent. This win marks the third consecutive gubernatorial victory for Democrats in Kansas, a state that has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections since 1968.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • Democrat Cindy Holscher won the Kansas governor's race.
  • Holscher defeated Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson.
  • Holscher will succeed the term-limited Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.
  • The race was narrow and the projection was made on Thursday following the midterm elections.
  • This victory marks three consecutive gubernatorial wins for Democrats in Kansas.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The 19th and PBS News report that Holscher’s win creates the first instance of back-to-back female governors in Kansas history.
  • The Epoch Times reports the final vote tally as 50.3 percent for Holscher and 49.7 percent for Masterson.
  • The 19th notes that Holscher comes from a union and military family and grew up on a farm.
  • The Epoch Times mentions that both candidates proposed property tax deductions and focused on education and jobs.
  • Fox News reports that Holscher defeated fellow state Senator Ethan Corson in the August primary.
  • PBS News notes that Holscher campaigned on a promise to halt new data centers.
  • NPR and NBC News mention that Ty Masterson was endorsed by President Trump.
  • The 19th and PBS News highlight that Democrats also won a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas during this cycle.

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