TOPEKA (KSNT) — As the Kansas governor’s seat still hangs in the balance post-election day, officials are taking extra precautions to make sure all ballots were counted correctly.
Kansas Secretary of State (SOS) Scott Schwab announced on Nov. 4 that his office will conduct close-race audits on six races following the general election. These include:
- Governor race
- Secretary of state race
- Attorney general race
- House District 27 race
- House District 40 race
- House District 117 race
According to the SOS, “If the election is within 1% of the election night vote total, then a close-race audit is triggered in addition to a post-election audit.” Until the audit is completed, a winner will not be declared in the race.
Kansas voters submitted their ballots for the 2026 general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. One of the key races on the ballot was the Kansas gubernatorial election. Kansas State Senator Cindy Holscher (D) faced off against the Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R).
Here is where the vote stands post-election day:
- Cindy Holscher (D): 546,648 votes (50.26%)
- Ty Masterson (R): 541,070 votes (49.74%)
‘Wave of victories’: Democrats break supermajority in Kansas House as Republicans look to ‘regroup’
Candidates weighing in
Holscher already declared victory in the election, releasing a written statement on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust Kansans placed in me to serve as your next governor. Whether I earned your vote or not, I will work for you. I thank Senate President Ty Masterson for his service to our state and congratulate him on running a hard-fought campaign. In the days ahead, I look forward to working closely with Governor Laura Kelly to ensure a smooth transition and build on the progress our state has made.”
Sen. Cindy Holscher statement excerpt
However, the race hasn’t been officially called yet. Masterson issued his own statement on Nov. 4 on social media.
“The first count does not seem to be going our way, but the margin is narrow enough that Kansas law calls for another look, and we’ll let that process finish. Every Kansan deserves to know the result is right. Whatever the outcome, the fight for lower property taxes, safer communities and better schools doesn’t end tonight.”
Sen. Ty Masterson statement excerpt
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