Kansas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Cindy Holscher is drawing renewed attention over a 2023 social media exchange concerning Jesus Christ, sexuality and gender identity. The old remarks are receiving fresh scrutiny as Holscher prepares to face Republican Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson in the November 3 general election, adding another cultural divide to the race for governor.
Newsmax reported Wednesday that Holscher’s comments originated in a March 2023 social media discussion. According to the outlet’s account of the exchange, Holscher questioned assumptions about Jesus’ sexuality and gender identity and wrote, “I have no idea if Jesus was trans, gay, straight, etc.”
The remarks have resurfaced shortly after Kansas voters went to the polls for the August 4 primary. Holscher competed for the Democratic nomination against state Sen. Ethan Corson and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who cannot seek a third consecutive term, had endorsed Corson before the primary.
Masterson competed in a crowded Republican contest. He entered the primary with the endorsement of President Trump and serves as president of the Kansas Senate, a position confirmed by official legislative records.
Holscher’s record on legislation involving biological sex provides additional context for the controversy. In 2023, Kansas lawmakers approved HB 2238, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which restricts participation on female student athletic teams to biological females. Gov. Kelly vetoed the legislation.
When the Senate voted April 5, 2023, to override that veto, Holscher voted no. Masterson voted yes. The override passed 28-12, according to the Kansas Legislature’s official roll call.
The two candidates also stood on opposite sides of SB 180, known as the Women’s Bill of Rights. The legislation established definitions of biological sex for purposes of Kansas law. After Kelly vetoed the measure, the Senate voted April 26, 2023, to override her veto. Holscher voted against the override, while Masterson voted for it. The motion prevailed 28-12.
Those votes establish a clear policy difference between the candidates on questions involving biological sex. For Christian voters, the resurfaced Jesus remarks add a separate religious dimension. The New Testament consistently identifies Jesus as a male through various titles including the Son of God and Son of Man, making Holscher’s reported comments particularly notable in a state where faith remains an important part of public life.
Kansas voters will make their choice on November 3, 2026, the state’s official general-election date.
