The seat of the 2nd Congressional District in Kansas became vacant after Representative Jake LaTurner's retirement earlier this year. Despite the Republican dominance in presidential elections in the state, various Democrats have been elected governors in recent decades, including the current governor, Laura Kelly. In the 2020 and 2016 elections, Donald Trump received a wide majority in Kansas.
In the state legislature, Republicans have a clear numerical superiority over Democrats in both chambers. However, Democrats could break this supermajority with just a few more seats in either chamber. Three of the five contests are open, and two Democratic incumbents are seeking re-election. Kansas spans two time zones, meaning election results will be reported at different times.
In this year's elections, several important contests are being held, including the presidential race among Harris, Trump, Chase Oliver, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as contests for the United States House of Representatives, state Senate, and state Board of Education. Significant voter turnout is expected after it reached 71% among registered voters in the 2020 presidential elections.
For the Kansas elections on November 5, Democratic Melanie Haas faces Republican Fred Postlewait in District 2, and Democratic Betty Arnold is up against Republican Jason Carmichael for another term. A detailed and objective vote count is expected from the Associated Press, which will not declare a winner until it is mathematically certain.
The Associated Press will not make premature projections and will announce a winner only when it is absolutely clear. In previous elections, results were gradually released throughout election night. Registered voters in Kansas as of September 2024 total 1,994,621 people.
