Kelly’s Shadow Over 2026 Race | Topeka News

Governor Laura Kelly’s legacy looms large over the 2026 gubernatorial race, with both parties navigating a delicate political tightrope. Democrats like Senator Ethan Corson are openly riding Kelly’s coattails, while others like Cindy Holscher and Curt Skoog seek to carve their own paths without alienating her base. Republicans face a tougher balancing act—some attack Kelly, but experts warn that winning the general election may require a more moderate, even strategic embrace of her appeal, especially among the moderate voters she helped bring into the fold. Political science professor Bob Beatty notes that GOP candidates in Johnson County have already found success by not going after Kelly, even leveraging her name. The race is shaping up as a high-stakes test of political savvy and voter sentiment, with Kelly’s influence proving impossible to ignore. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/20152f0b3fa57bef