GOP dukes it out in red state primary to reclaim governor's mansion

Republican voters in Kansas chose their nominee Tuesday in one of the year's highest-profile gubernatorial primaries. Ty Masterson will face the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 general election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Republicans see the open-seat race as a prime opportunity to reclaim the governor's mansion after two terms under Kelly, while Democrats are hoping to defy the state's Republican lean and retain control of the office. 2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACE