Who’s running for Kansas governor? An up-to-date guide
The 2018 campaign for Kansas governor produced a large field of candidates — from elected officials, businessmen and even high schoolers. But now, after August primaries, there are just five.
Here’s who you will see on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Click here for The Eagle’s online voter guide
Laura Kelly
Party: Democrat
Position: State senator
Past: Director of Kansas Recreation and Park Association
Education: Bradley University, Indiana University Bloomington
Website: https://www.laurakellyforkansas.com/
Raised: $733,463 through Aug. 2
Running mate: Sen. Lynn Rogers, a former Wichita school board member
Key endorsements: Kansas National Education Association PAC, Kansas Fraternal Order of Police, former Republican Gov. Bill Graves
Kelly, of Topeka, has often focused on social services and welfare during her time in the Legislature. She has been a frequent critic of Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration, especially about how the state has run its foster care system.
As a candidate for governor, Kelly has promised to support education and education funding. She is supportive of a $500 million school funding increase approved by the Legislature that is being phased in over five years.
She was first elected to the Senate in 2004.
Kris Kobach
Party: Republican
Position: Kansas secretary of state since 2011
Past: Chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, 2007-2009
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Harvard University; law degree, Yale Law School; master’s degree and doctorate in political science, Oxford University
Website: https://kriskobach.com/
Raised: $2,053,460 through Aug. 2
Running mate: Wink Hartman, a Wichita businessman and former Republican candidate for governor
Key endorsements: Kansas State Council of Firefighters, National Rifle Association, President Donald Trump
Kobach has criticized the Legislature for its decision to override Brownback’s veto of tax increases meant to help balance the state budget. He has promised to keep undocumented immigrants from receiving welfare services.
Kobach has gained a national reputation for championing a law requiring voters to show proof of citizenship to register to vote and for advising President Donald Trump on immigration and voting issues.
In May 2017, Trump named Kobach to a federal commission to examine the integrity of elections, though Trump later dissolved the commission.
Greg Orman
Party: Independent
Position: Businessman
Education: Princeton University
Website: https://www.ormanforkansas.com/
Raised: $1,348,805 through Aug. 2
Running mate: Sen. John Doll of Garden City
Key endorsements: Former Colyer campaign chairman Steve Baccus, Serve America Movement
Orman ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2014 as an independent against Republican Pat Roberts. He is frequently critical of the two-party system.
Jeff Caldwell
Party: Libertarian
Position: Libertarian Party official, works in sales
Past: Caldwell has been active in politics for more than a decade and has previously assisted other campaigns.
Website: https://www.caldwellforkansas.com/
Raised: $6,290 through April 9
Running mate: Mary Gerlt
Caldwell is focused on ending some taxes and restricting others. He wants to end the food sales tax, lower the gas tax, and provide tax cuts to farmers.
He also wants to allow for statewide ballot initiatives and legalize marijuana.
Rick Kloos
Party: Independent
Position: Founder and director of a nonprofit
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ministerial Studies and Theology
Website: https://kloosforkansas.com/
Raised: $5,330 through Aug. 2
Running mate: Nathaniel Kloos
Contributing: Dion Lefler of The Eagle
Jonathan Shorman: 785-296-3006, @jonshorman
This story was originally published June 3, 2018 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Who’s running for Kansas governor? An up-to-date guide."