Two elected officials from the Wichita area have entered the Republican primary race for governor. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt of Wichita declared their candidacies last month.
Masterson started his political career on the Andover City Council 20 years ago, going on to serve in the Kansas House and Senate. He became Senate leader in 2021.
Schmidt is a graduate of Wichita South High School and worked as a pharmacist for more than 40 years. She served in the Senate from 2005 to 2019 and won election as insurance commissioner in 2018 and 2022.
The primary will be held in August 2026. Others seeking the party’s nomination include Secretary of State Scott Schwab, former Gov. Jeff Colyer and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.
