Ty Masterson, the president of the Kansas Senate, will aim to flip the governorship in November after eight years of Democratic control.

© John Hanna/Associated Press

Republicans see the marquee race to lead the state as perhaps their best chance this year to win a governorship held by Democrats.

© Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

In a conservative state with a history of electing Democratic governors, the debate over which brand of Democrat can win sounds different.

© Christopher Smith for The New York Times