Democrat Cindy Holscher will be Kansas’ next governor after The Associated Press called the race in her favor.
Holscher defeated Republican Ty Masterson in a narrow midterm contest that triggered a post-election audit.
The story in 7 points
- The Associated Press called the Kansas governor’s race for Cindy Holscher.
- She defeated Republican Ty Masterson.
- The race was close enough to trigger a post-election audit.
- Masterson conceded on Thursday.
- Holscher says she has already met with Gov. Laura Kelly to begin the transition.
- Holscher will succeed Kelly, a fellow Democrat.
- The audit of the results is continuing.
Kansas is usually a Republican-leaning state in national elections, but Democrats have won the governor’s office there in recent cycles. Holscher’s win keeps the office in Democratic hands after Kelly’s two terms.
What happens next
Holscher’s transition team will now prepare for her inauguration in January, while state officials complete the post-election audit.

