Names Not On Ballot But Still Playing Chess | Topeka News

Topeka News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 1, 2026 · 1m

The 2026 Kansas elections may not feature Laura Kelly, Sam Brownback, or Donald Trump on the ballot—but their names are already dominating campaign strategy. Republicans face a delicate balancing act: criticizing popular Governor Kelly without losing her base, while Democrats debate whether to attack Trump’s legacy or resurrect Brownback’s unpopular second term. Brownback’s low approval ratings make him a handy political punching bag, used to tie current issues to past missteps. Meanwhile, Trump’s national influence is seeping into Kansas politics, with candidates either embracing his support…