Gov. Kelly endorses Cindy Holscher for governor

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has endorsed state Sen. Cindy Holscher in her campaign for governor, with Kelly citing concerns about school funding, fiscal management and infrastructure if Republican Ty Masterson wins in November.

“The future of Kansas will be determined in November,” Kelly said in a statement. “If Ty Masterson is elected, he will take our state back to the dark days of Sam Brownback: to the days of chronically underfunded schools, fiscal mismanagement, and crumbling roads and bridges.”

Related Stories:

• Kansas Dems choose Holscher: State senator moves on in governor’s race
• Masterson moves on: Senate president gets GOP nod in governor’s race
• 2026 Kansas Primary Election Results

Kelly said she is asking Kansans of all political parties to support Holscher, describing Masterson as someone who would “sow division and chaos while pushing an extreme agenda.”

“We need a leader who will bring people together to make life better for Kansas families,” Kelly said.

Although Kelly openly supported Ethan Corson during the primary election — appearing in ads and campaigning for the Democratic candidate — Holscher said she welcomed the governor’s endorsement and pledged to campaign alongside her.

“I know Governor Kelly understands the urgency of mobilizing voters from across our state to make sure Donald Trump’s choice Ty Masterson loses this election,” Holscher said. “I will work side by side with her starting today.”

Holscher acknowledged ongoing economic pressures facing Kansas residents, saying costs are too high and too many families are struggling to get ahead. She framed her candidacy as a continuation of progress made under Kelly’s administration.

“We’ve made great progress over the past eight years, but our state is facing new challenges now,” Kelly said.

Holscher will face President Trump-endorsed Republican Ty Masterson in the November general election.