TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Associated Press has called the race for Kansas governor in favor of Sen. Cindy Holscher (D) Thursday over a week after the general election.
The Associated Press called the race in favor of Holscher on Nov. 12. She competed against Sen. Ty Masterson (R) in the race during the 2026 general election.
- Associated Press race results
- Cindy Holscher (D) – 551,908/50.3%
- Ty Masterson (R) – 544,550/49.7%
Holscher is now set to replace Governor Laura Kelly (D) as the 49th governor of the state of Kansas.
Masterson posted a statement to social media on Nov. 12, stating he has congratulated Holscher on her victory in the race.
“To the hundreds of thousands of Kansans who voted for me, thank you. It looks like we will come up just short, but the things we fought for are no less important today than they were yesterday.
I’ve called Senator Holscher to congratulate her on her election. It has been the honor of my life to carry the Republican banner for the state I love. This was a hard election for people who share our vision, here and across the country. But I believe in this state and in the people who live here, and that hasn’t changed.
Kansans sent a Republican Legislature to Topeka to keep working on the things that matter to them: property taxes, public safety, affordability, and schools. Jeff and I will be back in the Senate in January to do exactly that.”
Ty Masterson social media statement
Holscher previously issued a statement to social media on Nov. 4 following the general election.
“The people of Kansas made their voices heard, and 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.
Throughout this campaign, I heard from people who want their leaders to put politics aside and work together to deliver on the things that matter most: strong public schools, lower costs for our families and farmers, and an economy where every Kansan can get ahead.
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.”
Governor-elect Cindy Holscher
Staff with the Kansas Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) are currently conducting a post-race audit and six close-race audits following the general election.
Over 26,000 provisional ballots await review for inclusion in 2026 Kansas general election results
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