Democratic Kansas lawmaker enters race for governor

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Kansas senator is throwing his hat in the race for the state’s next governor this week.

Kansas Democratic Senator Ethan Corson for District 7 announced his bid for governor on Tuesday, July 22. He said his campaign for governor offers Kansans a chance to have a leader who will “deliver opportunity, affordability, and common-sense leadership” to the state.

“I’m a lifelong Kansan, a dad with young kids, and a proud product of our public schools,” Corson said. “I’m running for Governor to create opportunity for the next generation of Kansans, so they can build a life here. That means making sure Kansas has the best schools in America and is the most affordable place to live in America.”

Corson became senator for District 7, which consists of areas in Overland Park and Prairie Village in Johnson County, in 2021. He sponsored several bills during the 2025 session of the Kansas Legislature, including a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage and increase the penalty for unlawful employment under child labor laws.

“I’ve always been laser-focused on the kitchen table issues that matter to Kansans: strong public schools and lower taxes for working and middle-class families,” Corson said. “I’m not interested in the partisan battles you see on cable news – Kansans want leaders who work together – regardless of political party – to get things done. That’s exactly what I’ve done in the State Senate, and that’s the kind of common-sense, bipartisan leadership I’ll bring to the Governor’s Office.”

Corson said his record in the Legislature reflects his willingness to work with both major political parties on issues like getting rid of the food sales tax, cutting property taxes and removing taxes on Social Security. He currently lives in Fairway with his wife, Jenna, and their two children, Isaac and Aiden.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf