Ty
Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp

Trump issued a full endorsement of Masterson, writing 'Ty Masterson has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Kansas — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!' The endorsement came before Masterson's primary victory. (Month reported as May.)

Holscher cited approximately $1 million in IT and AI industry spending she said benefited Masterson's campaign, and highlighted two $8,000 contributions linked to NetChoice president Steve DelBianco. Masterson has not acknowledged any impropriety; the article presents these as Holscher's claims.

Masterson defended Senate Bill 98, the 2025 law providing a 20-year sales-tax exemption for large data-center projects. He also issued a pledge opposing eminent domain for data-center land, requiring developers to pay full electricity costs, and protecting water resources.

County election notices published in October officially list Ty Masterson and Jeffrey Klemp as the Republican governor–lieutenant governor ticket for the November 3, 2026 general election.

Among 605 likely Kansas voters surveyed September 22–30, Masterson held a five-point lead at 49% versus Holscher's 44%.

Masterson's campaign said it had 'no plans to accept any further debates,' declining invitations for debates on September 24 and October 1. Holscher said she remained open to debating again.

A survey of 750 likely Kansas voters conducted September 15–16 found Masterson at 50.8% and Holscher at 43.5%, with 5.7% undecided.

In an interview, Masterson backed limiting annual increases in assessed property values to 3%, supported state funding for private-school choice, and emphasized literacy improvement in public schools.

In their first face-to-face meeting, Masterson defended the 2025 data-center incentive law and argued local governments should decide on projects; Holscher called for a pause. They also clashed over school choice and education policy.

Ty Masterson won the Republican gubernatorial nomination in a seven-candidate field with roughly 43% of the vote. He selected state Sen. Jeffrey Klemp as his lieutenant governor running mate.