Kansas Republicans have elected a new party chair to lead the GOP into the 2026 election cycle, while Democrats reelected their party chair. Republicans met over the weekend in Goodland for their annual convention. Meanwhile, Democrats met in Topeka for their annual convention, known as Washington Days. Part of the state conventions was electing party leadership, who will lead their parties in the next election cycle, which features an open gubernatorial race in 2026 and congressional midterms.
Who will lead Kansas Republicans into 2026 elections
Republicans elected Danedri Herbert as chair. "It is an honor to lead the Republican Party of the greatest state in the nation," Herbert said in a statement to The Capital-Journal. "Kansas has long been the heart of the conservative movement, and our party is committed to continuing the fight for limited government and individual liberty. Over the next two years, I look forward to working with Kansas Republicans to grow our party, to stand firm for conservative values, and most importantly, to elect a Republican Governor in 2026." Herbert, who is a spokesperson for Attorney General Kris Kobach, replaces outgoing chair Mike Brown. Republicans also elected conservative talk radio host Andy Hooser as vice chair, Roger Lomshek as treasurer and Amanda Schlyer as secretary.
Who will lead Kansas Democrats into 2026 elections
Democrats reelected party chair Jeanna Repass. "Democrats are ready to fight for the shared values of Kansans during this time of uncertainty in our state and country," Repass said in a news release. "Unelected billionaires and their friends are cutting jobs and funding that has a direct impact on veterans, farmers, and other working families. These are not Kansas values and we will be unwavering as we stand up for every Kansan." Delegates also reelected vice chair Shaun Junkins and elected former Sen. Usha Reddi as treasurer and Nik Cabrini as secretary.
Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd .