Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Casts Primary Vote for Ethan Corson

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly cast an early vote for the August 4 primary election on July 28, 2026, at the Shawnee County Election Office. This marked the first time in more than two decades that Kelly did not appear on a ballot, following her decision not to seek re-election.

Kelly cast her vote for gubernatorial candidate Ethan Corson, whom she formally endorsed in November. Speaking with reporters, she emphasized the importance of the next governor standing up for Kansas against federal pressures.

During her remarks, Kelly criticized the federal government's influence on state autonomy. She argued that policies from the Trump administration are reducing funding for roads and care for the elderly and disabled, claiming these actions take away the state's ability to make its own decisions.