Insults fly as Kansas GOP gubernatorial candidates compete for dominance during debate

By: Anna Kaminski

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: June 6, 2026

Words: 1,073

Last Updated: 5 days, 23 hours ago

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OVERLAND PARK — Name-calling and infighting dominated a Republican gubernatorial debate Friday that was preceded by campaigns trying to convince opponents to drop out of the race.

Senate President Ty Masterson called businessman Philip Sarnecki an “angry elf.” Sarnecki blamed Masterson for the state’s budget issues. Former Johnson County commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and Secretary of State Scott Schwab stayed out of the line of fire, focusing on their policy priorities.

The candidates are among seven …

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