Kansas Democrats are preparing for a pivotal primary election on Tuesday to select a candidate to succeed term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly, a two-term Democrat who has defied the state’s longstanding Republican dominance by winning the governorship twice. While Kansas remains a heavily Republican state in federal elections, the governorship has often been an exception, making the upcoming contest a critical test of Democratic electability in a challenging political environment.

The Democratic primary features three main contenders: state senators Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson, and Curt Skoog, mayor of Overland Park. All three candidates are considered moderates by national standards and come from suburban areas, but their campaigns have emphasized different approaches in appealing to the party base and potential general election voters.

Corson and Holscher, who both represent districts that had previously leaned Republican, have emerged as the frontrunners, presenting contrasting visions for the party’s future in Kansas. Corson has positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist, endorsing bipartisan cooperation and highlighting his ties to Kelly’s administration, including efforts to attract business investments through tax incentives. Kelly herself has endorsed Corson, describing him as a candidate with the right balance of strength and judgment to stand up to former President Donald Trump and immigration enforcement policies.

Holscher, meanwhile, has appealed to more progressive and populist Democratic voters by positioning herself as an outsider challenging the establishment. She has been vocal in opposing tax incentives for large corporations, including a high-profile deal that subsidized the Kansas City Chiefs’ move from Missouri to Kansas, and has called for a moratorium on data center construction, a growing issue in the state. Holscher has criticized Republican legislators with sharp language and seeks to energize voters who prioritize economic equity and social justice.

The differences between the two candidates reflect a broader national debate within the Democratic Party over the balance between electability and advocacy for progressive policies. While some Democrats value Corson’s centrist message as a necessary strategy to win in a red-leaning state, others support Holscher’s more confrontational approach, hoping to mobilize a strong base turnout.

Regardless of who emerges from the primary, the general election is expected to be competitive. On the Republican side, former State Senate President Ty Masterson, backed by Trump, is the leading candidate in a crowded primary. Masterson played a key role in overriding many of Kelly’s vetoes on conservative-leaning legislation involving transgender rights and election policies, signaling a hardline Republican stance.

Democratic voters express a dual desire for a candidate who can simultaneously hold firm on core values without alienating moderate and independent voters. Kelm Lear, head of the Riley County Democratic Party, summarized this sentiment by emphasizing the need for a “moderate Democrat” who does not compromise the party’s principles.

Personal tensions have also surfaced in the primary, notably between Kelly and Holscher, underscoring the intensity of the race. A text message from Holscher last year, cautioning Kelly’s team against intervening in the primary, was interpreted by Kelly’s camp as a threat, though Holscher denies that characterization.

Economically, the candidates differ most notably on the issue of tax incentives, a key concern in Kansas politics. Holscher advocates for reallocating focus away from subsidies for corporations to address the needs of working-class Kansans. Corson maintains that economic growth driven by business attraction is essential for job creation and insists that local governments should guide decisions on data center developments.

As the primary approaches, Kansas Democrats face a choice that will not only shape the gubernatorial race but also influence the party’s strategic direction in a state where winning statewide office remains a rare but achievable goal.