GOP gubernatorial candidate unveils Democrats for Ty Masterson advertisement as races tighten in Kansas

EXCLUSIVE — A new ad from Kansas Republican gubernatorial nominee Ty Masterson highlights Democrats and union members who are voting for his campaign against Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher as the political environment worsens in the Sunflower State.The 30-second “Kansas values” advertisement, obtained first by the Washington Examiner, is part of a seven-figure television and digital program, according to a source familiar with the details.The ad features snippets of Kansans denouncing Holscher, who is trailing Masterson by nearly 6 percentage points, 49.5% to 43.8%, in a RealClearPolitics poll average. “We can’t afford Cindy Holscher,” one voter says.Democrats are hoping to build on growing momentum to make inroads in deep-red states that have traditionally backed President Donald Trump. Kansas voted for Trump during all three of his presidential campaigns. In the 2024 presidential race, Trump won the state by more than 16 percentage points over then-Vice President Kamala Harris.But two years later, Kansans have soured on Trump as the fallout from the Iran war has wreaked havoc on the local economy.Rising gas and diesel prices, along with higher costs for fertilizers, have frustrated Kansas farmers. Many farmers are spending thousands of dollars more on fuel and operational costs, which could incentivize farmers to sit out the election or back Democrats.Midwest Republicans have begun to break with Trump over the Iran war, citing their constituents’ dissatisfaction. The Kansas governor’s race is one of the bright spots for the GOP to potentially flip a seat that has been dominated by a Democrat for the past eight years, which Masterson’s new ad implicitly acknowledges.A narrator declares in the ad that outgoing Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) “even called Holscher an extremist.” Masterson is seeking to flip the governor’s mansion red after Kelly won in 2018 and 2022. Kansas has never elected a Democrat governor in three consecutive elections.“I voted for Laura Kelly. This time, I’m voting for Ty Masterson,” says one male voter.Other voters declare that Masterson is fighting for their families and focusing on affordability, a key campaign cycle this midterm cycle.A number of voters then declare, “I’m a public school teacher. I’m a union member. I’m a Democrat, and I’m voting for Ty Masterson.” The Cook Political Report rates the Kansas governor race as “leans Republican,” but Masterson’s ad comes as the state’s Senate race has quickly become competitive. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) faces a spirited challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, who is the pastor at the largest Methodist church in the United States. Cook Political Report rates the Senate race as a “toss-up.”GOP WORKS TO CONVINCE RURAL VOTERS TO STICK WITH THEM AMID HIGH COST OF LIVINGTrump will visit Kansas on Monday for a campaign rally in Wichita, part of his midterm blitz before the November elections. Republicans are hoping to stave off heavy losses to the Democrats who have momentum to flip the House and possibly the Senate.A spokesperson for the Masterson campaign told the Washington Examiner last week that “Ty would welcome President Trump if he chooses to come to Kansas, and would appear with him if given the opportunity.”