Cindy Holscher

Cynthia L. Holscher (, born April 26, 1969) is an American politician who served in the Kansas House of Representatives from the 16th district from 2017 to 2020, and was elected to represent the 8th district for the Kansas Senate starting in 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and is the Democratic nominee in the 2026 Kansas gubernatorial election.

Early life and education Holscher was raised on a small farm near Slater, Missouri. Her father was a construction worker, a farmer, and a member of Heavy Construction Laborers Local #663; her mother worked as a school custodian and operated a small business doing residential wallpapering. Holscher attended Slater High School, where she participated in 4-H, FFA, and debate before graduating in 1987. She went on to attend the University of Missouri–Columbia, graduating in 1992 with degrees in journalism and political science. She is a first-generation college graduate.

Career Professional career Holscher's early career included positions at The Add Sheet from 1993 to 1994 and R.H. Donnelley from 1994 to 2006. She subsequently worked at Sprint for 12 years, where she held a position as a mid-level manager. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Holscher began working as a substitute teacher in Johnson County schools during periods outside of the legislative session.

Political career In 2016, Holscher ran for election to represent District 16 in the Kansas House of Representatives, and defeated Republican incumbent Amanda Grosserode. She won re-election in 2018. On May 14, 2026, she announced that Wichita state representative Kelechi Ohaebosim would be her running mate.

Holscher focused her 2026 gubernatorial campaign on cost of living and public education. Holscher states that tax revenues from cannabis legalization could be put towards public schooling and that Kansas farmers could profit from cultivating cannabis. She seeks a statewide moratorium on data centers. Holscher is critical of Donald Trump's tariffs and their impact on farmers.

Electoral record Election box begin no change|title=2016 general election: Kansas House of Representatives, District 16 They have three children together.