2026 Kansas Governor Election
Kansas will elect a governor in 2026 to succeed term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly, making this an open-seat race. The contest is likely to turn on taxes, school funding, health care, and the cost of living, with Democrats emphasizing affordability and public investment and Republicans focusing on tax relief, regulation, and conservative governance.
Candidates
Cindy Holscher is a Kansas state senator from Overland Park and a former Kansas House member running for governor as a Democrat. In March 2026, she continued to emphasize affordability, public schools, health care, and Medicaid expansion, and she also announced opposition to the Chiefs stadium deal.
Vicki Schmidt is Kansas commissioner of insurance and a former state senator from Topeka running for the Republican nomination for governor. Her campaign has highlighted her record in statewide office and her background as a pharmacist, while stressing taxes, regulation, and public safety.
Scott Schwab is Kansas secretary of state and a Republican candidate for governor. His campaign has focused on property tax relief, smaller government, and election administration, and he has continued campaigning while also disclosing a cancer diagnosis earlier in 2025.
Polling
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.