Kansas Governor 2026: the ads, and who's paying for them
Cindy Holscher (Democrat) and Ty Masterson (Republican) are the candidates for governor of Kansas in the November 3, 2026 general election. Semblen has analyzed 43 ads in this race; 16 used at least one manipulation technique, most often loaded language and name calling. Next date for voters: Registration deadline: Tue, Oct 13.
Cindy Holscher (DEM), Ty Masterson (REP).
On the ballot as listed by Ballotpedia. 43 ads analyzed, 16 with at least one technique in the copy.
Newest first. The paid-for-by line is the advertiser's own filing. Updated 2026-10-08.
Anyone can vote by mail; request a ballot by Tue, Oct 27 (The Tuesday of the week before the general election (K.S.A. 25-1122(f)(1)(B))); return it by Tue, Nov 3 (By statute, ballots must be received by close of polls (normally 7 pm; counties may set 6 am-8 pm hours). A court injunction may extend this to Friday Nov 6 for ballots postmarked by Election Day; the appeal is pending.)Source: sos.ks.gov ↗Source: sos.ks.gov ↗Source: ksrevisor.gov ↗
$291,700–361,038 on all ads, $113,800–141,924 on flagged ads · Meta reports ranges; these are the sums of their ends
Example
“who will fight for” — Loaded Language, paid for by AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
· the flagged ad with the highest reported spend that shows the most common technique
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A small box with these findings and the newest ads, updated as new ads are analyzed. Free for newsrooms, blogs and campaigns alike; it links back here.
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An email when new ads come in from either side or the outside groups: the techniques, the words doing the work, and who paid. And each debate's analysis the morning after. One-click unsubscribe.
Each side is the campaign plus the groups backing it. How a group is placed is explained below the table.
Side
Ads
With at least one technique
Most common
Holscher (D)
12
7 of 12 (58%)
Loaded Language (4), Name Calling (3), Appeal to Fear (2)
All from the campaign; no ads here from groups placed on this side.
Masterson (R)
14
0 of 14 (0%)
All from the campaign; no ads here from groups placed on this side.
Not placed on a side (9 sponsors)
17
9 of 17 (53%)
Loaded Language (8), Appeal to Prejudice (6), Name Calling (6)
Read this before comparing the sides. Ads that attack an opponent use these techniques far more often than ads that introduce a candidate, whoever runs them, so the side running more attack ads shows a higher share. A technique is about wording, not about whether an ad is true. These are online ads only (Meta and YouTube), not television.
How a group is placed: by its own filings with the Federal Election Commission. A group is with a candidate when it reported spending to support that candidate, or to oppose the other one in the general election. The parties' own committees are with their nominee. Spending against a candidate in a primary places a group nowhere, and neither does our reading of its ads: a group with no such filing is listed as not placed. The sponsor table gives the reason for each.
Decide what counts
Not everyone would call every technique manipulation. Untick the ones you'd call ordinary persuasion and the count updates.
37% of the 43 ads here use at least one of the techniques ticked below (16 ads).
Leaving out the softer ones (loaded language, glittering generalities, slogans, exaggeration, repetition): 33% of ads.
The words doing the work
The words that show up most in phrases our model flagged as loaded language or name calling in this race's ads, by number of ads.
agendain 3 ads· e.g. “keep his MAGA agenda out of the governor's office”, “extreme agendas”
extremein 3 ads· e.g. “extreme politics”, “extreme agendas”
lackeyin 3 ads· e.g. “MAGA lackey Ty Masterson”, “MAGA lackey”
MAGAin 3 ads· e.g. “MAGA lackey Ty Masterson”, “MAGA lackey”
politicianin 3 ads· e.g. “dishonest career politician”, “clean up the mess that the politicians have created”
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Money in this race
Candidates for governor report their fundraising to Kansas's state campaign-finance office, not the FEC. This page doesn't cover those reports yet, so it shows no money figures.
The ads
43 ads, newest first. Video transcripts are shown as the model read them, without caption cues like [music].
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-10-076 variantsspend $700–1,29435,000–40,994 impressions
🔵 49% Holscher
🔴 46% Masterson
We’re in the lead, but MAGA is spending MILLIONS of dollars in dark money to help elect MAGA lackey Ty Masterson. This race will be close and we can't afford to lose our momentum now.
Every contribution helps us keep our ads running, respond to attacks, and reach the voters who could decide this election.
Chip in $10 to help Cindy reach the voters who can turn this polling lead into a win >>
Name Calling: The term 'MAGA lackey' is a derogatory label used to discredit Ty Masterson rather than address his policy positions — for example: MAGA lackey Ty Masterson
Loaded Language: The phrase 'dark money' is emotionally charged, implying secrecy and corruption to trigger a negative reaction rather than neutrally describing campaign finance — for example: dark money
Conspiracy Appeal: The reference to 'dark money' implies hidden, shadowy financial coordination working behind the scenes to influence the election — for example: spending MILLIONS of dollars in dark money
Exaggeration/Hyperbole: The capitalization of 'MILLIONS' is a stylistic exaggeration device intended to amplify the perceived threat beyond a neutral factual statement — for example: spending MILLIONS of dollars
False Urgency: The phrase 'can't afford to lose our momentum now' creates artificial time pressure to prevent deliberation and push the reader toward immediate action — for example: we can't afford to lose our momentum now
Appeal to Fear: The framing of a close race combined with the warning about losing momentum is designed to create anxiety and compel action — for example: This race will be close and we can't afford to lose our momentum now
Name Calling
Loaded Language
Conspiracy Appeal
Exaggeration/Hyperbole
False Urgency
Appeal to Fear
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Glittering Generalities: Vague, emotionally positive phrases like 'strong leader' and 'fight for affordable living costs and lower taxes' are used as rhetorical flourishes without any specific policy substance — for example: 'strong leader'
Appeal to Prejudice: The phrase 'Kansas families' invokes in-group identity to create an us-versus-them framing, implying Masterson is specifically for 'our people' — for example: 'Kansas families'
Glittering Generalities
Appeal to Prejudice
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Cindy Holscher on the Common Sense and Lower Costs Tour
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasvideo · 0:33from 2026-10-01
What I've learned when I've traveled this state over the past several months, everybody wants good schools for their kids. People want a hospital close to home and a paycheck that covers the bills. Those are the things we have in common.
Those are the conversations you can have with your neighbors. We're going to build a strong Kansas where hard work pays off, where our schools are strong and every family gets a fair shot. How does that sound to you, Kansas?
Flag-Waving: Patriotic, religious, or in-group identity invoked to validate a position.
Slogans: Catchy phrase used to compress a complex position into an emotionally loaded shorthand.
Glittering Generalities: Vague, emotionally positive phrases like 'hard work pays off', 'schools are strong', and 'fair shot' sound noble but carry no specific policy meaning — for example: 'every family gets a fair shot'
Bandwagon Appeal: The rhetorical question invites the audience to affirm collective agreement with the preceding vague promises, implying shared enthusiasm and pressuring conformity — for example: 'How does that sound to you, Kansas?'
Flag-Waving
Slogans
Glittering Generalities
Bandwagon Appeal
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Watch on YouTube ↗Transcript above is auto-generated; the analysis is of the spoken words.
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An email when new ads come in from either side or the outside groups: the techniques, the words doing the work, and who paid. And each debate's analysis the morning after. One-click unsubscribe.
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-307 variantsspend $400–1,09324,200–30,993 impressions
Forecasters are calling Kansas one of the MOST competitive governor’s races in the country!
That’s why Republicans are pouring over $10 million in negative ads against Democrat Cindy Holscher. They know she can beat MAGA lackey Ty Masterson.
In a race this close, we can’t afford to let their attacks go unanswered. Every contribution helps us keep our ads running, respond to attacks, and reach the voters who could decide this election.
Chip in now to help Cindy protect our lead >>
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-307 variantsspend $200–89316,200–22,993 impressions
Republicans know that Cindy Holscher can win! That’s why they’re spending over $10 million to drown the Kansas airwaves in negative attack ads.
We need a surge of grassroots support to maintain our one-point lead in the polls. Every dollar raised helps us respond to the Republicans’ baseless attacks.
Will you chip in $10 to help us fight back against the Republicans’ multi-million dollar blitz?
Loaded Language: The phrase 'drown the Kansas airwaves' uses emotionally charged, vivid language to frame opponent spending as overwhelming and suffocating rather than neutrally describing political advertising — for example: drown the Kansas airwaves
Loaded Language
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Ty Masterson for Governorfrom 2026-09-302 variantsspend $18,000–23,9981,400,000–1,599,998 impressions
📺 NEW AD: I know what tough choices look like because I’ve had to make them myself.
Too many Kansas families are facing those same pressures today, and politicians like Cindy Holscher have only made it harder. She voted for the largest tax hike in Kansas history while families were already being stretched thin.
I believe leaders should make it easier to get ahead, not harder. That’s why I’m focused on lowering property taxes, keeping costs down, and making Kansas more affordable for the people who call it home.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Glittering Generalities: The sentence uses vague, emotionally positive promises ('protect', 'keep costs down for families') that sound noble but lack any specific policy detail — for example: 'protect Kansas farmland and keep costs down for families'
Glittering Generalities
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-227 variantsspend $11,300–13,693184,000–220,993 impressions
JD Vance came all the way to Kansas to rally for Ty Masterson.
Why? Because MAGA knows this race is competitive – and they’re pulling out all the stops to win it.
I’m Cindy Holscher – the Democrat in this race and I’m leading in the polls. I’m focused on lowering costs, protecting access to health care, and strengthening our public schools.
If you’re ready to help us fight back, please chip in $10 today and help us win this thing >>
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-2014 variantsspend $900–2,28642,400–59,086 impressions
Ty Masterson thinks Donald Trump is the greatest president in American history – seriously.
And now Trump and his MAGA allies are spending millions to make Masterson our next governor.
We already know what that would mean for Kansas: more tax breaks for billionaires, attacks on our rights, and the same extreme politics Kansans have rejected before.
We can stop them. Will you chip in now to help Democrat Cindy Holscher defeat Ty Masterson and keep his MAGA agenda out of the governor’s office?
Loaded Language: Emotionally charged words are used to trigger a negative reaction rather than convey neutral facts — for example: 'attacks on our rights'
Appeal to Prejudice: Appeals to in-group identity by invoking 'Kansans' as a unified group who have already rejected these policies, implying shared values and identity — for example: 'Kansans have rejected before'
Name Calling: Uses the derogatory label 'extreme politics' to discredit the opposing side rather than engage with their arguments — for example: 'extreme politics'
Black-and-White Fallacy: Implies that the only outcome of the opposing choice is a set of harmful consequences, leaving no room for nuance or alternative outcomes — for example: 'We already know what that would mean'
Appeal to Fear: The phrase 'stop them' implies a threatening force that must be opposed, creating anxiety to motivate action — for example: We can stop them.
Loaded Language
Appeal to Prejudice
Name Calling
Black-and-White Fallacy
Appeal to Fear
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-2014 variantsspend $5,200–6,586158,200–203,986 impressions
1️⃣ We’re ahead by ONE POINT – and millions in MAGA money are already pouring into Kansas to erase that lead.
In a race this close, we can’t afford to let their attacks go unanswered. Every contribution helps us keep our ads running, respond to attacks, and reach the voters who could decide this election.
Chip in now to help Cindy protect our lead >>
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Cindy Holscher for Kansasfrom 2026-09-2021 variantsspend $7,500–10,379251,300–323,979 impressions
Election forecasters say Kansas is one of the closest governor’s races in the country. We have a real chance to elect Democrat Cindy Holscher — but it’s going to take all of us. Will you chip in to Cindy’s grassroots campaign? >>
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Cannabis Justice Coalition Incfrom 2026-09-11 to 2026-09-19spend $200–29925,000–29,999 impressions
In a pivotal moment for Kansas legislation, the Cannabis Justice Coalition is convening an assembly of state leaders, candidates, legal experts, law enforcement, and community advocates for "The Future of Cannabis Reform in Kansas." This landmark forum, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the JOCO Arts & Heritage Center, promises to be a defining moment in shaping the trajectory of cannabis policy in the Sunflower State.
Guided by the esteemed Barry Grissom, Former US Attorney for the District of Kansas, the afternoon will deliver a dynamic and visionary dialogue on the massive legislative, economic, and social transformations that modern cannabis reform could bring to the region.
The event boasts an extraordinary lineup of political figures ready to tackle reform head-on, headlined by gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher. She will be joined by a powerful coalition of candidates for the Kansas House of Representatives, representing a united front ready to address the future of the state:
• Cindy Holscher - Governor
• Rob Hodgkinson - House District 4
• Henry Johns - House District 5
• Sherry Giebler - House District 14
• Allison Hougland - House District 15
• Stephanie Sawyer Clayton - House District 19
• Susan Ruiz - House District 23
• Jarrod Ousley - House District 24
• Heather Meyer - House District 29
• CeCe Harlin - House District 34
• Wanda Brownlee Paige - House District 35
• Zach Maier - House District 39
• Kristen Schultz - House District 43
• Kelsey Stock - House District 121
Amplifying the conversation, an exclusive expert panel will dive deep into the real-world impact of current policies and the urgent need for justice and modernization. This vital discussion features diverse, frontline perspectives from:
• Chris Wolfenbarger - Purple Heart Veteran
• Dolores Halbin - Cannabis Educator
• Eric Kirsch - Sheriff of Wabaunsee County
• Peter Andreone - Cannabis Attorney
This is more than just a panel discussion, it is a catalyst for change. The public and members of the press are highly encouraged to attend this event to hear firsthand where current and future leaders stand on the critical issue of cannabis reform.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Isaiah For Kansasfrom 2026-09-02 to 2026-09-143 variantsspend $200–49724,000–30,997 impressions
Join us Sunday, September 13th from 2-4 PM at Harlen's Venue to meet candidates Isaiah Harris and Cindy Holscher!
Everyone is welcome! Enjoy catering from The Mall Deli, get to know Isaiah and Cindy, and ask them the questions that matters most to you during our Q&A.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITYfrom 2026-08-066 variantsspend $114,000–135,9942,930,000–1,089,996 impressions
Ty Masterson has a proven record of championing real solutions to make housing more affordable and protected the right to build on your own land. He has also worked to cut taxes and wasteful spending.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Whipple For Kansasfrom 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-052 variantsspend $0–1985,000–6,998 impressions
Well... the Kansas Chamber PAC backing Henry Helgerson was not on my bingo card this election. 😆
This is the same PAC that backed Sam Brownback and supports Ty Masterson. Now they're spending big to keep a 40 year incumbent in office.
If the Kansas Chamber wants Henry Helgerson representing our district, that's their choice.
I'm running to represent you, NOT the special interests.
Election Day is Tuesday. I'd be honored to earn your vote.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Stand Up Blue Valleyfrom 2026-07-30 to 2026-08-05spend $100–19920,000–24,999 impressions
Have YOU voted yet? EVERY registered voter should vote in the Aug. 4 primary election, even voters registered “Unaffiliated.” Early voting has already started!
Vote TODAY through Sat., Aug. 1, from 9 AM - 7 PM (new extended Saturday hours) OR Mon. Aug. 3 from 8 AM - Noon ONLY. Early voting locations include BV Hilltop Campus and OP Arboretum Longhouse. (Link in comments for all locations.)
You can also vote on Election Day, Tues., Aug. 4 from 7 AM - 7 PM at your *assigned polling location.* (Link in comments to find that and see your sample ballot.)
If you have a mail ballot: complete, sign, and DROP IT OFF at any polling location (during voting hours) or secure drop box. Don’t mail it - it’s too late! Secure drop boxes are open 24/7. (Link in comments for drop box locations - including outside ALL Johnson County Libraries!)
Voters registered Unaffiliated OR with any party should vote NO on the amendment to change the KS Constitution. (Link in comments to read more about that.)
Voters registered Democratic: Vote for KS Sen. Cindy Holscher for Governor.
Voters registered Republican: Vote for KS Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt for Governor. (Supporting links in comments.)
Early voting is quick, easy and convenient. If you’re an Election Day voter - DON’T FORGET!!! Go to your assigned polling place between 7 and 7 to vote on Tues., Aug. 4.
For all voting, be sure to take your current driver’s license or government-issued ID.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Kansas United for Impartial Courtsfrom 2026-07-29 to 2026-08-0516 variantsspend $500–2,08418,900–37,984 impressions
Our opponents just dropped another six figures on TV ads in their effort to buy the Kansas Supreme Court.
They're not spending millions because they're confident they'll win. All that money is going to fund misinformation and scare tactics to stop you from voting NO on August 4th.
We’re up against Ty Masterson, Kris Kobach, and an entire machine of billionaire political donors trying to get judges in their pockets who will act as a rubber stamp for their extreme agendas. It is going to take all of us to stand up to these special interests and protect our courts.
Our election is just days away, and we need your help keeping our ads on air during the final stretch. Can you pitch in $25 to help us reach voters and deliver a win for Kansas?
Conspiracy Appeal: Implies a shadowy 'they' is spending millions with hidden, sinister motives rather than genuine confidence — suggesting coordinated manipulation — for example: They're not spending millions because they're confident they'll win
Loaded Language: Uses emotionally charged terms like 'misinformation' and 'scare tactics' to trigger a negative reaction toward the opposing side — for example: fund misinformation and scare tactics
Appeal to Fear: Warns that money is being used specifically to suppress the reader's vote, creating anxiety about being manipulated and suppressed — for example: to stop you from voting NO on August 4th
Name Calling: Ty Masterson and Kris Kobach are grouped with 'billionaire political donors' and implicitly labeled as corrupt actors without substantive argument — for example: 'We're up against Ty Masterson, Kris Kobach, and an entire machine of billionaire political donors'
Bandwagon Appeal: The phrase 'all of us' pressures collective action by implying that everyone must join together, creating a sense that conformity and mass participation are necessary — for example: 'It is going to take all of us'
Glittering Generalities: Vague, emotionally positive language like 'protect our courts' invokes noble ideals without specifying concrete actions or evidence — for example: 'protect our courts'
Conspiracy Appeal
Loaded Language
Appeal to Fear
Name Calling
Bandwagon Appeal
Glittering Generalities
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Philip Sarnecki for Governorfrom 2026-07-25 to 2026-08-04spend $1,000–1,49970,000–79,999 impressions
Ty Masterson’s new PAC ad is all a LIE! It’s made with AI. He’s using AI to deceive you!
He’s a dishonest career politician.
He has given tax breaks to AI data centers, and now he’s using their AI to deceive you.
It’s time to clean house!
Loaded Language: The word 'LIE' in all caps is emotionally charged and designed to trigger outrage rather than present evidence — for example: all a LIE.
Name Calling: Derogatory labels used to discredit a person or group rather than address their arguments.
Conspiracy Appeal: Hidden plots, secret coordination, or shadowy actors invoked to explain away evidence.
Appeal to Fear: The sentence implies a direct personal threat to the reader by framing AI use as active deception targeting them specifically, creating anxiety to override rational evaluation — for example: using AI to deceive you
Loaded Language
Name Calling
Conspiracy Appeal
Appeal to Fear
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Philip Sarnecki for Governorfrom 2026-07-25 to 2026-08-053 variantsspend $2,300–3,397120,000–139,997 impressions
AI Data Centers are flooding into Kansas because Ty Masterson gave them a 20 year tax exemption.
Tax exemptions for them but nothing for you.
I introduced a plan to empower the people.
- no undue burden on water
- no energy rate increases
- no eminent domain
- approval by the people
We have to clean up the mess that the politicians have created in Topeka.
Black-and-White Fallacy: The sentence presents a binary opposition — 'them' get everything, 'you' get nothing — ignoring any middle ground or nuance in tax policy — for example: "Tax exemptions for them but nothing for you".
Appeal to Prejudice: The sentence exploits an in-group/out-group divide by contrasting 'them' (an implied privileged elite) with 'you' (the ordinary reader), fostering resentment based on group identity — for example: "for them but nothing for you".
Loaded Language: The word 'mess' is emotionally charged, framing the situation negatively to trigger a reaction rather than describing it factually — for example: 'clean up the mess'
False Urgency: The phrase 'we have to' implies an imperative necessity and pressure to act, creating a sense of urgency without justification — for example: 'We have to clean up'
Scapegoating: Blame for unspecified problems is placed squarely on 'the politicians' as a group, without nuance or evidence — for example: 'the mess that the politicians have created'
Black-and-White Fallacy
Appeal to Prejudice
Loaded Language
False Urgency
Scapegoating
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Philip Sarnecki for Governorfrom 2026-07-25 to 2026-08-04spend $1,000–1,499100,000–124,999 impressions
A Kansan has notified me they have called Ty Masterson’s WSU office everyday for the last week. No one picked up the phone. No one called back.
While Ty has been in public office, he has received over $1 million from the WSU foundation.
There should be a full investigation.
no techniques found
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Paid for by Kansas United for Impartial Courtsfrom 2026-07-24 to 2026-08-04spend $100–19910,000–14,999 impressions
Let's be clear, this is NOT about the judicial selection process. This is about billionaire political donors teaming up with Kris Kobach and Ty Masterson to force their extreme, unpopular agenda onto Kansans.
https://kansaspublicradio.org/statehouse-news/2026-06-16/how-could-electing-the-kansas-supreme-court-affect-issues-like-abortion-and-school-funding
Loaded Language: Emotionally charged words chosen to trigger a reaction rather than convey facts. — for example: extreme, unpopular agenda.
Name Calling: Derogatory labels used to discredit a person or group rather than address their arguments.
Conspiracy Appeal: The sentence implies a hidden coordinated plot between wealthy donors and politicians to secretly impose an agenda on ordinary people — a classic conspiracy framing — for example: "billionaire political donors teaming up".
Appeal to Prejudice: The framing of outside billionaires 'forcing' an agenda 'onto Kansans' invokes an in-group/out-group dynamic, positioning ordinary Kansans as victims of powerful outsiders — for example: force their extreme, unpopular agenda onto Kansans
Loaded Language
Name Calling
Conspiracy Appeal
Appeal to Prejudice
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
Black-and-White Fallacy: The sentence implies only two sides exist: Cindy Holscher standing for 'you' versus corporations, billionaires, and AI data centers, leaving no room for nuance or other positions — for example: 'the only Democrat who will stand up for you, not the corporations'
Appeal to Prejudice: The phrase 'stand up for you' invokes an in-group identity of ordinary people against an out-group of wealthy elites and corporations, exploiting class-based identity — for example: 'stand up for you, not the corporations, billionaires'
Scapegoating: Corporations, billionaires, and AI data centers are grouped together as a unified opposing force responsible for working against ordinary people, simplifying complex political dynamics — for example: 'not the corporations, billionaires, and AI data centers'
Black-and-White Fallacy
Appeal to Prejudice
Scapegoating
Looks up the ad's factual claims in fact-checkers, primary sources and wire reporting. Takes up to a minute.
An ad is on this page because its own "Paid for by" line is a campaign in this race; or it ran mostly in KS and names a nominee for governor — unless its sponsor is a campaign for some other office (a U.S. Senate or House campaign included), or it also names KS's Senate nominees, in which case it is on the Senate race's page. Ads from outside groups appear alongside the campaigns' own.
The candidates are the ones certified for the November ballot, from the source linked at the top. Governors are state offices, so there are no FEC filings behind this page: no money figures, and outside groups are placed on a side only when they are a campaign or a party committee.
Campaigns run one text as many separate ads. Identical text from the same sponsor is one card here, marked with its number of variants.
A technique is a specific manipulative move in the wording, found by our model and explained in one line. It is not a claim that the ad is false.
Claims are checked when a reader asks: press "Check this ad's claims" on a card. The check runs once and its result is shown to everyone afterwards. The ten ads with the most money behind them in each race are checked ahead of time.
Claim verdicts say what the cited sources say. A verdict that an ad is wrong or misleading is shown only when it cites an established fact-checker or an institutional record — Congress, a federal agency, a court — and its confidence is not low; a weaker one is not shown at all. Each verdict shows what it rests on and how confident it is. If we got one wrong, press Disagree: a verdict that readers dispute and no one defends comes down.
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