Jeff Colyer issues statement on 2026 Kansas Governor’s race

I believe God put us here to serve. To always put our lives, energy, and faith into making the world a better place.  Growing up in Hays, my parents and teachers insisted we always do the right thing, even when no one was looking.  That meant mowing Mrs. Eichelberger’s grass when she couldn’t pay, visiting a shut-in as a cub scout, and taking care of drug-addicted patients with nowhere else to go.  

What makes Kansas special to me is the people.  I love the finger waves when you pass a truck, Mr. Bolen spending his summer tutoring me in algebra, and the thousands of prayer warriors who prayed when I got prostate cancer.  Thanks to you I beat cancer.  Kansas is the strong, modest center of the greatest country in the history of the world. 

It’s we Kansans together who accomplished more than anyone realized when I had the honor of serving as your Governor:  the dark tone changed immediately; there were more Kansans working than ever before; the culture of life was on the rise; we were the first state to fully privatize Medicaid giving our patients better outcomes and saving $1B a year; the first governor in fifty years to fully fund K-12 education; eliminated thousands of duplicative state government positions saving billions without controversy; leaving an $800 million surplus and putting humble Kansas back on track.  We did that together.

For me, there are many ways to serve, and I shall continue to do so with every fiber of my being.  Kansas has been my family’s home for five generations and hopefully fifty more.

I want to thank the tens of thousands who share our vision of a bold, new Kansas; the thousands who contributed and volunteered; and our fantastic staff who took us to every corner of the state.  Most especially thank you to my bride, Ruth, and our amazing daughters.   Together this team is unstoppable.   

It’s because of you that we won every straw poll, out-fundraised every candidate, built the biggest grassroots campaign and led every poll by double digits.  Thank you for believing in us and that dream we call Kansas.

This campaign was never about me.  Like you, I believe that Kansas can be the beating heart of America once again. 

My service will continue, but I shall not be a candidate for governor in 2026.  I am with you—Kansas—every step of the way.  Ad Astra Per Aspera”