Several races remain neck and neck day after elections

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - As the Election Day dust settles, Gov. Kelly has been declared victory as the race for AG is called in Kobach’s favor.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared victory on Wednesday morning, Nov. 9 after Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced he would not concede the night before. Shortly after, around 12:20 p.m., the AP called the race in her favor.

As of Wednesday morning, the votes in this race seemed to even out with about 49% headed to Democrat Kelly while 48% went to Republican Schmidt.

“I’m excited about the future of Kansas. These first four years were, in large part, about getting our state back on track,” Kelly said. “These next four years are about taking Kansas to the next level. These next four years are about making sure Kansas lives up to its potential as the very best place in America to raise a family. These next four years are where the boundless optimism of Kansans will be met with the boundless opportunities they deserve.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Schmidt congratulated Kelly on her reelection.

“Preliminary election-night vote totals are in from all counties. The election, of course, is not final until every lawful ballot is counted, and we are advised by election officials that thousands remain uncounted including late-arriving mail ballots and provisional ballots. However, it seems unlikely those will be sufficient to close the remaining gap, so absent any unexpected development it appears this race is over,” Schmidt said. “Therefore, I congratulate Governor Kelly on her apparent reelection and wish the best for our beloved state during the next four years.”

Independent challenger Dennis Pyle gathered about 2% of the vote while Libertarian Seth Cordell walked away with 1%.

“First of all, I would like to thank those who have supported the Pyle for Kansas team. Without them this opportunity would not have been possible. I want to thank my wife, Jennifer, my family, my running mate Kathleen Garrison, and fellow patriots who all worked to promote our campaign. It is an honor to have had the privilege and opportunity to be a candidate for Kansas governor,” said Pyle. “As much as Kansas desperately needed a conservative governor, the Republican party gave us a candidate that could not and did not win. The Pyle team sent a needed message to the Republican party, that Kansas needed a strong conservative candidate.”

However, one race that went late into the night was finally called just after 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday in favor of Kris Kobach.

Republican Kobach gathered 51% of the votes while Democrat Chris Mann gathered 49%.

“Everyone loves a comeback story, and I am grateful to Kansas voters for giving me this opportunity to serve and for putting their trust in me. I look forward to defending the rights of all Kansans as your Attorney General,” Kobach said.

The last race to be called on the statewide level lies in Constitutional Amendment 1, the question about Legislative Oversight, which came up 50-50.

To see all results for the 2022 General Election, click HERE.