Mann wins Kansas AG seat by 1 point after close-race audit

Chris Mann, a Democrat, has officially taken the Kansas attorney general seat from Republican incumbent Kris Kobach. The Associated Press called the race for Mann on Friday. This result marks the first time a Democrat has held the office since 2011. The victory completes a broader shift in Kansas politics that included the election of a Democratic governor and the first Democratic U.S. Senator in nearly a century.

The race required a close-race audit to determine the final outcome. Mann declared victory early Wednesday morning, but Kobach did not concede. The margin of victory was slightly over one percentage point. This is nearly identical to the margin by which Mann lost to Kobach in their 2022 matchup. The close result reflects the tight competition in the state’s midterms.

Kobach is a nationally known figure for his hardline positions on immigration and voter fraud. Before entering elected office, he worked as an attorney who helped design post-9/11 national security measures. He won the state secretary of state race in 2010 by advocating for strict voter registration rules. As secretary, he created a law requiring proof of citizenship to register. Critics argued the rule blocked eligible voters, and a court later found widespread fraud did not exist. Kobach also faced judicial sanctions for misconduct during that litigation.

His political career included several high-profile losses. He served on President Trump’s short-lived voter fraud commission. He ran for governor in 2018 but lost to Democrat Laura Kelly. In 2020, he lost the Republican primary for U.S. Senator to Roger Marshall. Marshall also lost his seat in this year’s elections. As attorney general, Kobach predicted thousands of noncitizens were voting in Kansas. His office has confirmed four such cases so far, though he has described that number as the tip of the iceberg.

During the campaign, Mann accused Kobach of using the office for political theater. Kobach focused on challenging federal policies, including a lawsuit against the Department of Education over Title IX changes. He also led a lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools, alleging the district violated parents’ rights by allowing students to socially transition without parental knowledge. The two candidates also differed on public safety strategies.

Kobach helped create a fentanyl task force with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He pushed for higher criminal penalties for traffickers and easier access to naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Mann promised to continue fighting fentanyl but said he would not litigate based on a political agenda. Mann stated that the office will focus squarely on public service and listening to communities across the state.

The campaign featured strong endorsements from law enforcement groups. Kobach received support from 50 Kansas sheriffs. He also credited the state’s lowest crime rate in more than 50 years to his administration. Mann received the endorsement of the Kansas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. That organization represents more than 4,000 sworn officers. It is the first time the group has endorsed a Democratic candidate since 2002.

Mann has a background in law enforcement and victim advocacy. He worked as a police officer until an accident with a drunk driver ended that part of his career. He then spent the rest of his professional life advocating against drunk driving and representing victims in court. The transition of power in the attorney general’s office will proceed following the official certification of results.