Johnson County Businessman Sarnecki Enters Kansas GOP Governor Race

Philip Sarnecki, a Johnson County businessman and founder of RPS Financial Group, has officially entered the crowded Republican primary for Kansas governor in 2026, joining a field that includes former Governor Jeff Colyer and Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Sarnecki, who has never held political office before, presents himself as a political outsider aligned with President Trump, emphasizing a business approach to government to reverse what he describes as years of Republican losses in the state. His campaign platform focuses on lowering taxes, reducing government red tape, expanding parental rights in education, supporting Trump, and opposing what he calls radical diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Sarnecki criticizes both Democratic and Republican leadership in Kansas for high taxes, rising home prices, and ineffective governance, and he highlights his business background, including his leadership of RPS Financial Group and part ownership of a film production company. He appeals to voters with his Christian faith and personal story as the son of a janitor and secretary, promising to bring fresh leadership to Kansas. On the Democratic side, state senators Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher are running to succeed the term-limited Governor Laura Kelly.