Steven Johnson, the Republican incumbent, is running for a second term as Kansas state treasurer in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Johnson faces two challengers: Juan C. Luengo, a Democrat, and Eric Lund, a Libertarian, according to BallotReady election data. Johnson is certified for the ballot.

The state treasurer manages Kansas public funds, oversees the state's investment portfolio and administers programs including the state's 529 college savings plan.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Residence: Assaria, Kansas
  • Education: High school diploma, Southeast Saline High School; bachelor's degree in agricultural economics, Kansas State University; MBA, University of Chicago
  • Family farm: Johnson was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Assaria and continues to farm wheat, soybeans, corn and milo on the family operation, according to the Kansas State Treasurer's website.
  • Community: Active member of Assaria Lutheran Church, where he serves on the finance committee. He volunteers investment advice to nonprofit organizations, according to the treasurer's office website.

Experience and public service

Johnson was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2010, representing District 108. He served until assuming the treasurer's office on Jan. 9, 2023, according to the state treasurer's website.

During his legislative tenure, Johnson chaired the Tax Committee and the Insurance and Pensions Committee. He also served on the Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

At Kansas State University, Johnson was elected student body president and graduated with honors. He worked in financial services at Ameriprise, where he led development of an asset allocation software program that calculated the highest return on investment for a particular need, according to the treasurer's office website.

Since taking office as the 42nd state treasurer, Johnson has served on the board of directors of the National Association of State Treasurers and as chair of the 529 Network, according to the same site.

Endorsements

According to Johnson's campaign website, the following people have endorsed his candidacy:

Ron Ryckman Jr., speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, said on the campaign website that Johnson "is the reason our state pension system is back on the right financial track."

Roger Marshall, U.S. senator from Kansas, called Johnson "one of the brightest financial minds I've ever met," according to the campaign website.

Tracey Mann, U.S. representative from Kansas, endorsed Johnson, according to the campaign website.

Jake LaTurner, a former Kansas state treasurer, endorsed Johnson, according to the campaign website.

Ron Estes, a former Kansas state treasurer, endorsed Johnson, according to the campaign website.

Tim Shallenberger, a former Kansas state treasurer, endorsed Johnson, according to the campaign website.

LaTurner, Estes and Shallenberger cited Johnson's experience in financial services and his knowledge of state investments.

The Wichita Ledger sent Steven Johnson a candidate questionnaire. No responses were received. This profile is based on publicly available information. Responses from all candidates will be published if received.