Kansas GOP primary crowns Ty Masterson as nominee in bid to retake governor's seat

Kansas Republicans held a high-profile primary on Tuesday, selecting Senate President Ty Masterson as their candidate for governor. He beat notable opponents including Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, each of whom brought statewide experience to the race. On the Democratic side, voters will later choose between state senators Ethan Corson, Cindy Holscher and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog to challenge Masterson in November.

The open seat arises because Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is term-limited after two terms. Campaigns focused on traditional conservative themes such as tax cuts, education reform, immigration, public safety and cultural issues. The primary coincided with a constitutional amendment proposal that would replace the current appointment system for Kansas Supreme Court justices with direct elections, a change championed by Republican lawmakers after criticism of recent court rulings.