Holscher wins Kansas governor's race in tight call

Cindy Holscher defeated Ty Masterson to keep the Kansas governorship in Democratic hands, according to an Associated Press race call.

The decision followed days of counting provisional ballots and local recounts in a closely contested election. Kansas was viewed as the most likely of 36 gubernatorial races to switch party control.

Masterson, 57, is the president of the state Senate. He received an endorsement from President Trump. Holscher, also 57, is a state senator who won the nomination to succeed Laura Kelly. Kelly is term-limited after eight years in office.

Holscher campaigned on a populist platform. She promised to fight sweetheart deals for billionaires and opposed school vouchers. She called for a moratorium on new data centers and legalizing cannabis to generate revenue. She tied Masterson to a tax cut passed under former Governor Sam Brownback that caused budget crises.

Masterson advocated for lower property taxes and faith-based decision making. He pledged to be the most pro-ag, pro-business, and pro-oil and gas governor in state history. He labeled Holscher the most radical, liberal, and socialist Democrat on a Kansas ticket.

Holscher responded to his criticism. She said, He likes to throw around a whole lot of labels. You know why? Because that's all he's got.