Kansas is set to host a pivotal primary election on Tuesday, which could reshape the state’s political landscape. The Republican field is crowded, with candidates vying to succeed Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who is stepping down due to term limits. Meanwhile, Democrats will select candidates for both governor and the U.S. Senate.
For Republicans, the gubernatorial race offers a significant opportunity to reclaim the governor’s office after eight years under Democratic leadership. Despite Kansas’s tendency to favor Republicans in federal elections, the state has a history of electing governors from the opposite party of the outgoing one.
This primary is also a gauge of former President Donald Trump’s influence within the party. Trump has thrown his support behind state Senate President Ty Masterson over other notable candidates such as former state Rep. Charlotte O’Hara, financial services executive Philip Sarnecki, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, and Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.
Among Democrats, the primary features contenders like state Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher, as well as Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.
Philip Sarnecki has been the top spender in the Republican primary, largely due to a $2.5 million loan to his campaign. His running mate, Joy Eakins, also contributed significantly after joining his ticket. Meanwhile, Scott Schwab has invested over $2.1 million of his own funds into his campaign, while Masterson has led in raising funds from donors, apart from personal loans.
In the Democratic primary, Ethan Corson has outpaced his opponents in fundraising, nearly doubling the combined efforts of Holscher and Skoog. He also has the endorsement of the outgoing governor, Laura Kelly.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who has Trump’s endorsement, is aiming for re-election. He faces a challenge from Arch Naramore, who will appear on the ballot under his middle name, Pond. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary features a large field, including former U.S. Department of Agriculture official Christy Davis and Methodist megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton.
Adam Hamilton has led the Democratic candidates in fundraising efforts.
Another crucial decision for voters is a proposed amendment to the state constitution, which would allow for the direct election of state Supreme Court justices, removing the governor’s role from the process. Currently, a commission of mostly attorneys recommends candidates for the governor to choose from.
The primary ballot also includes races for U.S. House, secretary of state, and the state Board of Education, with all 125 state House seats up for grabs. Republicans currently hold a majority in the state House.
Key counties, such as Johnson, Sedgwick, and Shawnee, will play significant roles in the outcome of both the Democratic and Republican primaries. The Democratic strongholds of Douglas and Wyandotte counties are more influential in Democratic contests.
When do polls close?
Polling stations close at 7 p.m. local time, corresponding to 8 p.m. ET in the Central time zone and 9 p.m. ET in the Mountain time zone.
What’s on the ballot?
The Associated Press will announce results and winners in the primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, and other key offices, as well as the statewide ballot measure.
Who gets to vote?
Registered voters can only participate in their respective party’s primary. However, independents may vote in either primary by affiliating with a party at the polls.
How many voters are there?
Kansas has approximately 2 million registered voters, with about 894,000 Republicans, 495,000 Democrats, and 588,000 unaffiliated voters.
How many people actually vote?
In the 2022 primaries, around 463,000 Republican and 289,000 Democratic primary votes were cast in the gubernatorial races.
How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?
In the 2024 state primaries, 45% of Democratic and 28% of Republican votes were cast early or via mail. As of the latest count, approximately 133,000 ballots have been submitted for the current election.
When are early and absentee votes released?
Vote release timing varies by county, with about half providing results from mail and in-person voting throughout the night.
How long does vote-counting usually take?
Results for the 2022 Democratic primary for governor were first reported 24 minutes after polls closed, with a 96% tally reached by 3:31 a.m. ET.
When will the AP declare a winner?
The AP will announce winners only when it is clear that trailing candidates cannot feasibly close the gap. Developments will continue to be covered if races remain undecided.
How do recounts work?
Kansas does not mandate automatic recounts. Candidates can request recounts at their expense, but costs will be covered by counties if the requesting candidate wins.
Are we there yet?
As of Tuesday, there are 91 days remaining until the 2026 midterm elections.
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For ongoing coverage of the 2026 election, visit https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.
