First In Line: Kansas

Kansas has surprised people before. Despite voting Republican for president in every election since 1968, in recent decades Democrats have won the Kansas governorship more often than not. Laura Kelly won it twice.

In 2026, the governorship is open and there's a Senate seat on the ballot. And seven Kansas Democrats are running in state legislative districts that went completely uncontested last cycle. That matters more than people realize.

Research shows that going from an uncontested race to a contested one leads to a 1.5% vote share increase for the top of the ticket. Funding them amplifies the effect, while also boosting turnout.

These candidates are giving voters a choice, holding extremists accountable, and forcing Republicans to spend money they thought they'd save.

But often it's hard for candidates in the reddest districts to get the funding they need to make some noise. Our First In Line project funds them.

Our target is $2,500 per candidate – enough for yard signs, postcards, and gas money – basics that make the difference between a real campaign and just a name on a ballot.

Kansas may be landlocked – but that doesn't mean a wave can't reach it.

First In Line is a project of Every State Blue. We crowdfund for Democrats running in some of the reddest places – getting them the direct funding they need to make a difference. Your donation goes directly to the candidates listed.

First In Line funds in rounds: uncontested districts first, then Solid R, Likely R, and Lean R. Note: The current fundraising goal is a milestone toward that overall target. Once we raise the equivalent of $2,500 per page recipient (which in KS's Round 1 is $25,000), the next round opens.

A candidate not listed may not yet qualify for this round, may still have a primary, or may not have an ActBlue page set up.

Your gift splits evenly among recipients. Click "customize amounts" to adjust.

Learn more at everystateblue.org/first-in-line