Bryant Jacobs is running for Governor of Kansas in the 2026 election.
In this full conversation, Bryant Jacobs discusses his decision to run for Governor and the experiences that shaped his perspective on leadership and policy in Kansas. He explains what led him to step into the race and how his background influences the priorities he is bringing forward in his campaign. The discussion begins with his view of the current political environment in Kansas, including how decisions are being made at the state level and how those decisions impact everyday Kansans.
Jacobs outlines his approach to governing, focusing on how he believes the role of the Governor should function in relation to the legislature, state agencies, and the public. He discusses the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability, and how those principles should guide decision-making. He also addresses how long-term planning fits into state government, including the need to move beyond short-term political cycles and focus on sustained outcomes for communities across Kansas.
The conversation covers a range of policy areas, including the state budget, economic development, and how resources are allocated. Jacobs talks about how economic decisions affect both urban and rural areas differently and how the state can approach development in a way that reflects those differences. He also discusses workforce issues, infrastructure needs, and how state-level policy connects to local outcomes.
Healthcare is another major topic, including access to care across Kansas and the challenges faced by rural hospitals and providers. Jacobs discusses how healthcare policy decisions at the state level influence availability and affordability, and how those systems interact with federal programs. He also touches on mental health services and the need for broader access across communities.
Education is also addressed, including funding, classroom resources, and how the state supports both students and educators. Jacobs discusses how policy decisions impact schools at the local level and how those decisions connect to workforce development and long-term economic outcomes. He also speaks to the importance of stability and consistency in education policy.
The conversation includes discussion around public safety and the role of law enforcement, including how accountability is handled and how communities interact with those systems. Jacobs outlines his views on how public safety should function and how policy decisions can shape outcomes across different communities.
Throughout the conversation, Jacobs returns to the idea of representation and what it means to serve Kansans at the state level. He discusses how elected officials balance competing priorities and how decisions made in state government affect daily life across Kansas. He also addresses the role of voters in shaping those decisions and the importance of engagement in the political process.
Toward the end of the conversation, Jacobs reflects on the structure of the campaign itself, including how he is approaching the race, the challenges of running statewide, and what he hopes voters take away from his candidacy. He emphasizes the importance of participation in the upcoming election and the role voters play in determining the direction of the state.
See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas Governor race here:
You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify
#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansasgovernor
Get full access to Kansas Helen at kansashelen.substack.com/subscribe
