KS-GOV: Overland Park mayor makes late entry into Kansas governor's race, challenging Democratic senators

TOPEKA — Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog made a late entry into the governor’s race Monday, launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination just three hours ahead of the noon filing deadline.

Skoog, who chose Fredonia physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney as his running mate, said he was motivated to run for governor because he didn’t believe the other Democratic contenders had gained enough traction.

“It was clear that we needed somebody from outside the Legislature to lead this state as governor, and being a mayor brings a whole different perspective to what it takes to run a state like this,” Skoog said. “A dysfunctional Legislature is not a recipe for success in the governor’s office.”

Two Democratic state senators from Johnson County, Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson, announced their candidacy a year ago. All three of the Democrats claim to be the only candidate who can beat Senate President Ty Masterson, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement last week. Other prominent Republicans in the race include Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and businessman Philip Sarnecki.


https://kansasreflector.com/2026/06/01/overland-park-mayor-makes-late-entry-into-kansas-governors-race-challenging-democratic-senators/