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Ciboski: Who Will Be The Next Kansas Governor?

Who will win the race for governor of Kansas this year?

I think that Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer are the leading candidates for the Republican nomination.  Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer is also coming on as a possible strong contender, and he has had some success in raising money.

Jeff Colyer, Kris Kobach, and Ken Selzer are experienced statewide election winners. Each holds a current elected office that gives them greater political visibility and perhaps a political advantage in running for a statewide office. Jim Barnett, who won the 2006 Republican nomination for governor has probably faded as a statewide candidate. Republican candidates Wink Hartman and Mark Hutton are at a disadvantage because they come from Wichita, as do Democratic candidates Carl Brewer and Jim Ward. No candidate from Wichita has won a general election for governor since Ed Arn in 1950 and in 1952.

However, State Senator Laura Kelly could be a formidable candidate if current movements take hold with the nationwide focus on getting more women elected to public office at all levels.  

Dr. Ken Ciboski is an associate professor emeritus of political science at Wichita State University.