Statewide · Open Seat

Kansas Secretary of State

Incumbent Secretary of State Scott Schwab (R) is not seeking re-election; he is running for Governor. The Republican primary features Pat Proctor and Ken Rahjes. The Democratic primary features Jennifer Day and Sam Lane. Winner of each primary advances to the November 3 general election.

About this race

The Kansas Secretary of State is the state's chief election officer. The office oversees elections, maintains voter rolls, registers businesses, and administers campaign finance disclosures. Because the incumbent is not running, both major parties are choosing nominees in the August primary.

ℹ️ Non-partisan note: All candidates below are listed alphabetically within each primary. Positions are drawn from campaign materials, news reporting, and voter guide responses. We do not endorse any candidate.

Republican Primary

Republican Candidates

Pat Proctor

Kansas State Representative · Leavenworth, KS

Republican

BackgroundRetired U.S. Army Colonel with 25 years of service, including deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kansas State Representative for the 41st District (Leavenworth) since 2021. Serves as Chairman of the Kansas House Elections Committee.

ElectionsFocus on election administration and security, consistent with his committee leadership role.

PlatformDetailed policy platform not fully retrievable from public sources as of late July 2026.

Ballotpedia ↗

Ken Rahjes

Kansas State Representative · 110th District

Republican

BackgroundKansas State Representative for the 110th District. Research sources also list him as Scott Schwab's lieutenant-governor running mate in the governor's race; which race he remains in has not been verified as of late July 2026.

PlatformDetailed policy platform not fully retrievable from public sources as of late July 2026.

Ballotpedia ↗

Democratic Primary

Democratic Candidates

Jennifer Day

Kansas State Representative · Overland Park, KS

Democrat

BackgroundKansas State Representative for the 48th District (Overland Park/Johnson County). Lifelong Republican until 2016. Runs a family real estate investment business. Former precinct committeewoman, election-day poll worker for the Johnson County Election Office, and member of Moms Demand Action, the League of Women Voters, and NOW.

ElectionsHas publicly emphasized confidence in election integrity and voter access.

PlatformAdditional detailed policy positions were not fully retrievable from public sources as of late July 2026.

Campaign site ↗ Ballotpedia ↗

Sam Lane

Testing and inspection professional · Leavenworth, KS

Democrat

BackgroundBorn in Leavenworth, Kansas; attended the University of Kansas. Career in testing and inspection for construction, manufacturing, retail, and shipping. Recently switched from Independent to Democrat to enter the race. No prior elected office confirmed.

PlatformDetailed policy platform not fully retrievable from public sources as of late July 2026.

Ballotpedia ↗

Sources

Candidate information is sourced from public records, campaign websites, and non-partisan election coverage. Verify current filings and ballot status with the Kansas Secretary of State before voting.