Ty Masterson in 2026 KS Governor's race

On Abortion: Pro-abortion crowd wants to tell you it's settled, it is not

On Budget & Economy: Under GOP we controlled spending, we cut positions

"We controlled spending. We cut positions. We were trimming government. But next, when 2016 came around, the left came back in control. And then when Gov. Kelly got elected, then they had control of the implementation of everything."

On Civil Rights: We've stopped DEI policies in our higher education system

On Crime: Back tough on crime policies; ensure we fund our police

On Drugs: Cannabis legalization bill is a non-starter

On Education: Make sure parents have a say in their kids' education

On Foreign Policy: In Israel, stunned by gap between reality and propaganda

On Government Reform: We need pro-growth policies & fewer regulations

On Health Care: Opposes Medicaid expansion to "able-bodied adults"

On Health Care: Gender-affirming care is harmful, irreversible, experimental

On Immigration: Offers strong support for border security, deportations

On Principles & Values: Satan is our real enemy, not flesh and blood

"Don't be discouraged by some jack wagon who has given his life to Satan. By the way, it's not too late for him. Jesus loves him, too," said Masterson. "But he clearly tells you who's on the other side of this argument. So think about that. He clearly tells you who our real enemy is. My enemy's not flesh and blood, he just happens to look like it for the moment. God loves him, too."

On Tax Reform: Keep cutting taxes until Kansas is most affordable

On Abortion: 80%-20%, people want fewer abortions

Masterson's additional asserted that "abortion is an 80-20 issue." He said people want fewer abortions, no late-term abortions and no taxpayer-funded abortions.

Cindy Holscher said Kansas voters made their position known in 2022 when they shot down a different constitutional amendment that was purely about eliminating the right to terminate a pregnancy. After that failed by a 59-41 margin, she said, Masterson decided to try again with this year's amendment, which failed by a 61-39 margin.

Masterson responded by accusing Holscher of supporting elitists. "She wants the power of the smallest group of people possible," he said.

On Corporations: KC Chiefs stadium deal is a generational opportunity

A: I have always believed that incentives should be used judiciously and with no risk to the taxpayers, and that the best way to achieve long-term economic growth is by maintaining an economic and regulatory climate that attracts employers to Kansas.

Attracting the Kansas City Chiefs to our state represents a generational opportunity that will bring unprecedented economic activity to northeast Kansas. The world-class domed stadium in Wyandotte County will host not only NFL football but numerous other large-scale events. Along with the new headquarters and training facilities in Olathe and the surrounding growth that will follow, this project is exactly what the STAR Bonds law was designed to achieve.

As governor, I will be open to these types of large-scale opportunities while keeping our overall focus on lowering taxes and removing all other barriers to economic growth in Kansas.

On Education: Supports open enrollment for educational freedom

That is why, as we work on a new school finance formula, I believe it must provide a sustainable funding model while directing more resources to classrooms and teachers instead of administrative growth.

Finally, a student-focused education system must continue expanding educational freedom. A child's future should not be determined by their ZIP code. That's why I supported statewide open enrollment, giving families greater access to high-quality public schools beyond their assigned district.

On Families & Children: My opponent allows children's transgender surgeries

[Referring to SB63, the Help-Not-Harm act, to deny state funds for gender transition to minors; Sen. Masterson voted YES; Sen. Holscher voted NO; Gov. Kelly vetoed SB63].

On Principles & Values: Willing to work with Democrats without abandoning principles

A: You don't accomplish anything unless you're willing to work with those who will work with you, and by definition, anything the governor signs into law is bipartisan. We've passed historic housing legislation, tax relief, and fully funded schools that way.

But working together doesn't mean abandoning your principles. When we've disagreed, I've disagreed respectfully, and I've overridden Governor Kelly's vetoes when Kansas needed it. As governor, I'll work with anyone who wants to move Kansas forward, and I'll stand firm when they don't.

On Social Security: Eliminate state income tax on Social Security benefits

In 2024, the Legislature agreed to create just two state income tax rates--5.2% on income up to $23,000 for an individual, 5.58% for income above that threshold--and raised standard deductions and personal exemptions. Future growth in state income tax revenue has the potential of chipping away at the state's income tax rates. "That's what's missed by a lot of people. It's if the growth is there, the tax revenue growth, then it buys it down," Masterson said.

State lawmakers also eliminated the income tax on Social Security benefits and agreed to drop the state sales tax on groceries. Reductions in revenue have been significant, but the state started a rainy day fund that holds more than $1.5 billion.

On Tax Reform: Supports Truth in Taxation law; supports mill levy repeal

A: Kansas has a property tax crisis. The Legislature has enacted important reforms, including the Truth in Taxation law and repealing the statewide property tax mill levy so property taxes now fund only local government functions. However, property taxes are ultimately driven by local spending. As school districts, cities, counties, and other local governments increase their budgets, property taxes rise. The state cannot control every local budget, but it can establish guardrails to better protect taxpayers.

The Senate and House passed legislation to give citizens stronger tools to challenge local spending that drives property tax increases, but both versions were vetoed. Without these protections, local governments can simply raise mill levies and erase any relief. These reforms are included in my Homeowners' Bill of Rights because meaningful, long-term property tax relief requires both.

On Technology: Data Centers critical to winning "AI Cold War" with China

A: Many Americans, including here in Kansas, are rightfully concerned about the quick emergence of data centers. It is critical that we win the AI "cold war" with China; but as data centers get constructed, it's important to have protections in place that protect local communities.

I passed the law that stops data centers from shifting their electricity costs onto Kansas families and bans China and other foreign adversaries from our power grid. That's the standard: they build here on our terms, or they don't build here.

Local communities should decide what gets built in their backyard. And regardless of any incentives, the water and grid protections stay regardless. If a deal doesn't work for Kansas ratepayers, it doesn't happen.