From KSN.com: Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson announced Sunday he is running for governor, saying Kansas needs conservative leadership to reverse years of what he calls “liberal mismanagement.”
Masterson, a Republican from Andover, has served in the Kansas Senate since 2009 and was previously a member of the Kansas House. In a message on his campaign website, he said rising crime, poor student performance, and high taxes are signs the state is falling behind.
“Kansas is not living up to its potential – or its promises,” he wrote. “That’s why I am running for governor. To take back Kansas.”
He criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and said too many people are leaving the state. Masterson pointed to his record leading the Senate, including passing tax cuts, banning diversity programs in higher education, placing limits on transgender medical care for minors, and changing election laws.
The report notes that Kelly cannot run for the governor’s seat again in 2026, as she has already served the maximum number of terms allowed by Kansas law.
Masterson, 55, was first elected to the Kansas state legislature in 2004, and became President of the Kansas Senate in 2021 after being elected unanimously by his colleagues. More from his campaign website:
Ty is a small business owner, entrepreneur, and laborer. He leads GoCreate, a community workspace at Wichita State University that gives entrepreneurs of all ages the resources they need to launch businesses and turn ideas into a reality.
Ty still lives in Butler County, representing the district where he was born in the legislature. Ty has been married to his wife, Marlo, for 30 years. Together they have six children and seven grandchildren. They attend NewSpring Church.
Masterson posted his new campaign ad video Monday morning. WATCH BELOW:
I’m running for Governor to Take Back Kansas.
Join me. Let’s get to work!https://t.co/HcsFSTnzUL pic.twitter.com/yZhwtkZnmH
— Ty Masterson (@TyMastersonKS) July 21, 2025
Over the last few weeks, Masterson has shared a number of posts on X about the state of Kansas and what needs to be done to fix it.
On July 10, he wrote, “200,000 people have left Kansas in the last 25 years. That’s enough to fill Bill Snyder Family Stadium 4 times or Allen Fieldhouse 12 times. Kansas needs to get back to providing good opportunities and an affordable cost of living!”
200,000 people have left Kansas in the last 25 years. That’s enough to fill Bill Snyder Family Stadium 4 times or Allen Fieldhouse 12 times.
Kansas needs to get back to providing good opportunities and an affordable cost of living!https://t.co/SH5L2YV3HX
— Ty Masterson (@TyMastersonKS) July 10, 2025
In another post, he wrote, “Kansas ranks #36 on the Forbes list of best states for business, while our neighbors with lower taxes and fewer regulations continue to grow. It’s time to make Kansas competitive with our neighbors. Kansas should be open for business!”
Kansas ranks #36 on the Forbes list of best states for business, while our neighbors with lower taxes and fewer regulations continue to grow.
It’s time to make Kansas competitive with our neighbors. Kansas should be open for business! pic.twitter.com/Ql9KSXmhfJ
— Ty Masterson (@TyMastersonKS) July 9, 2025
Masterson is joining an already crowded GOP primary. Other Republicans running for governor of Kansas are:
- Secretary of State Scott Schwab
- Former governor Jeff Colyer
- KS Insurance commissioner Vicki Schmidt
- Former school board member Joy Eakins
- Former Johnson County commissioner Charlotte O’Hara
- Business owner Stacy Rogers
- Conservative podcaster Doug Billings.
So far, one Democrat has entered the race for governor: State Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park.
Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson announced Sunday he is running for governor, saying Kansas needs conservative leadership to reverse years of what he calls “liberal mismanagement.” https://t.co/R01ZB1ryRA
— KSN News Wichita (@KSNNews) July 21, 2025
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