midwest region · KS
Candidates for public office may be nominated by political party nomination or independent nomination. Democratic and Republican candidates must run in the primary election to secure their party’s nomination. Candidates of other recognized Kansas political parties (currently Libertarian, No Labels Kansas and United Kansas) do not run in the primary and are nominated for the general election by party caucus or convention. Independent candidates do not run in the primary and may only file to run for office by petition. Candidates for national, state, legislative and judicial offices must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State. A candidate is not considered filed until their petition or declaration and fee is received by the Secretary of State (K.S.A. 25-208). Candidates must file by petition or filing fee.
The 2026 Kansas gubernatorial election features Republican candidates Doug Billings, Joy Eakins, Ty Masterson, Charlotte O'Hara, Stacy Rogers, Vicki Schmidt, Scott Schwab, and Democratic candidates Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher. The election will determine Kansas' governor for the next four-year term, with potential impacts on education funding, tax policy, and economic development initiatives.