TOPEKA — With Democrat Cindy Holscher holding a 5,557-vote lead in the Kansas gubernatorial race, Republican Ty Masterson said Wednesday morning he wants the state to take “another look” at the results.
“The first count doesn’t appear to be going our way, but the margin is narrow enough that Kansas law calls for another review, and we will let that process complete,” Masterson said. “Every Kansan deserves to know the outcome is good.”
Holscher, on the other hand, declared victory.
“Kansans have made their voices heard, and I am deeply honored by the trust Kansans have placed in me to serve as your next governor,” Holscher said in a statement. “Whether I won your vote or not, I will work for you.”
Kansas law requires county election officials to audit 10 percent of the county’s precincts when the margin between candidates is less than 1 percent.
Masterson could also request a full recount once county commissions certify the results, which they are required to do within 6 to 13 days after the election. Under Kansas law, the state will cover the cost of a recount if the race is within half a percent. Otherwise, he will have to post a deposit and will be responsible for the cost if the result does not change.
It was unclear whether Masterson’s statement referred to the tight audit or his right to request a recount.
“He’s referring to whoever is in the right,” said Garrett Henson, his campaign spokesman.
As of Wednesday morning, Holscher’s margin was 0.51%. The margin could change, however. Ballots posted on Tuesday and arriving on Friday will be counted. And the departmental commission will have to consider provisional ballots.
“Regardless of the outcome, the fight for lower property taxes, safer communities and better schools does not stop tonight,” Masterson said in his Wednesday statement. “I will continue to work for these things no matter what, and I will work with anyone who wants to achieve them.”
At his watch party Tuesday night in Wichita, he told the crowd, “What I’m afraid of is lawyers getting involved in this.” » Several people in the crowd offered to help.
Masterson, of Andover, is president of the Kansas Senate. Holscher, of Overland Park, also serves in the Senate.
In his statement, Holscher thanked Masterson for his service to the state and praised him for running a hard-fought campaign.
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve heard from people who want their leaders to put politics aside and work together to achieve the things that matter most: strong public schools, lower costs for our families and farmers, and an economy where every Kansan can get ahead,” Holscher said.
The Kansas Secretary of State’s office gave Holscher with 546,587 votes and Masterson with 541,030.
The Associated Press had not called the race as of 10:15 a.m.
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