Overview

• Masterson officially announced his bid on July 21 for the open seat vacated by term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly after serving in the Kansas Senate since 2009 and two terms in the House
• He framed his campaign on reversing what he calls “liberal mismanagement,” pointing to rising crime, lagging education outcomes and high taxes
• Masterson highlighted his legislative record of passing tax cuts, banning campus diversity programs, limiting transgender medical care for minors and tightening election laws
• His entry adds to a crowded GOP primary already featuring Secretary of State Scott Schwab, former Gov. Jeff Colyer and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt among others
• On the Democratic side, State Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park remains the only declared candidate