Joy Eakins, a well-known Wichita business owner and former school board member, has officially entered the 2026 Kansas governor’s race.
In a video announcement released on Wednesday, Eakins launched her campaign by unveiling her vision for a “Kansas Comeback”—a platform focused on revitalizing the state’s economy, reforming regulations, and tackling cultural issues.
Running as a Republican, Eakins seeks her party’s nomination in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive GOP primary field.
Background in Business, Education, and Civic Leadership
Eakins brings a blend of private sector and public service experience to her candidacy. She is the founder of a Kansas-based data analytics company and has played an active role in Wichita’s business community.
In 2023, she served as chair of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, one of the most influential business organizations in the state.
Prior to her business leadership, Eakins served a four-year term on the Wichita Board of Education from 2013 to 2017, advocating for education reform and community engagement.
Campaign Priorities: Workforce, Regulation, and Culture
In her launch video, Eakins identified workforce development, regulatory reform, and preserving Kansas cultural values as top priorities for her administration.
She argued that Kansas must act swiftly to retain talent, attract investment, and maintain a strong business climate, or risk falling behind other states in the Midwest and beyond.
Eakins also voiced concern over what she described as a “cultural drift” in the country, pledging to champion policies that reflect conservative, family-first values.
Trump-Aligned Messaging and “America First” Identity
Eakins clearly positioned herself as a conservative Republican aligned with former President Donald Trump and the broader “America First” movement.
Her message signals an appeal to the GOP base, which remains strongly influenced by Trump-era policies and rhetoric, particularly in states like Kansas.
Her campaign launch comes at a time when the state’s Republican Party is expected to see multiple high-profile candidates vying for the nomination, making Eakins’ early positioning crucial for gaining grassroots momentum.
With deep ties to Wichita’s education and business sectors, Joy Eakins is positioning herself as a pro-business, pro-Trump conservative candidate aiming to lead Kansas into what she calls a new era of growth and resilience.
As the 2026 gubernatorial race begins to take shape, Eakins’ message of a “Kansas Comeback” sets the tone for a campaign focused on economic revitalization, cultural identity, and conservative reform.
Her entry into the race underscores the growing intensity of the upcoming Republican primary and adds a new dimension to Kansas’ evolving political landscape.