By Clay Wirestone | opinion editor
Good morning, and happy Memorial Day! The long weekend continues, but Kansas Reflector senior reporter Tim Carpenter was on the job to write about a big endorsement in the governor’s race. Read on to learn more!
Grace Hills / Kansas Reflector
President Donald Trump endorses Kansas Senate president in GOP campaign for governor
TOPEKA — President Donald Trump endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson on Sunday in the Republican primary for Kansas governor.
Trump posted to Truth Social the 20-year member of the Kansas Legislature was a “fantastic candidate” and would perform well in the state Trump carried in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
“Ty Masterson has my complete and total endorsement to be the next governor of Kansas,” Trump said.
Masterson lavished praised on Trump in a statement and expressed how honored he was to receive the president’s blessing given a crowded field of Republican candidates for governor.
“President Trump transformed our country by fighting for secure borders, lower taxes, American energy dominance and putting working families first,” Masterson said. “In Kansas, I’ve taken that same approach — leading the fight to cut taxes, stand up to the left’s agenda and defend our values.”
There is a presumption the Trump endorsement would provide leverage for Masterson heading into the Aug. 4 primary. The boost for Masterson came on heels of a difficult 2026 legislative session in which Republicans were unable to comply with Trump’s demand to redraw Kansas congressional districts to favor Republican candidates and couldn’t pass into law a bill addressing the GOP’s top priority of moderating property taxes.
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OPINION
Special courts helps veterans stay out of jail, but staff losses and cuts are threatening their work
By Jamie Rowen
Memorial Day is an apt time to reflect on the long-term consequences of war. Among them are substance use, mental health problems, homelessness and jail time for those who served in the military.
Utah News Dispatch
Trump administration will make green card hopefuls return to home countries before applying
Immigrants seeking green cards will have to return first to their home countries and wait despite years of potential backlogs, the Trump administration announced Friday.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
6:30 p.m. June 12, Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. Opinion editor Clay Wirestone will join a panel discussion: "From the Desk of William Allen White: What Can Journalism Today Learn from the Sage of Emporia?"
5:30 p.m. June 16, Bradbury Alumni Center at Washburn University in Topeka. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 24, Groover Labs in Wichita. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
6 p.m. June 25, Clint Bowyer Community Building in Emporia. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
7 p.m. June 27, Park City Senior Center. Host: Park City Community Pride.
2 p.m. Sept. 27, Red Rocks Visitor Center in Emporia. Host: Red Rocks.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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