Philip Sarnecki (full name R. Philip Sarnecki) is a 2026 Republican candidate for Governor of Kansas, running in the primary on August 4, 2026. He is a self-described political outsider, businessman, and family man emphasizing conservative values, economic growth, and a results-oriented approach to government.
Early Life and Background
Sarnecki was born in Illinois and grew up in a blue-collar household as the son of a janitor (Robert "Bob" Sarnecki) and a secretary. His family emphasized faith, hard work, and perseverance despite limited financial means—his parents were married for 56 years. He has siblings Todd and Katie.
He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and finance. He has remained connected to his alma mater, including a notable $350,000 family gift (with wife Heidi) toward the Susan and Clint Atkins Baseball Training Center.
Career and Business Achievements
Sarnecki built a successful career in financial services and other industries:
- Founded RPS Financial Group, Inc. (around 2008) and grew it into one of the nation’s largest financial services firms. It expanded to 18 offices (12 in Kansas), served clients in all 50 states, built trust with ~100,000 Kansans, and managed over $10 billion in Kansas assets. In its final year under his ownership, it paid out more than $135 million in dividends to Kansas families and businesses. He later sold the company and retired as managing partner of the related RPS Benefits by Design/Northwestern Mutual operations earlier in the 2020s.
- Other businesses: Largest franchise owner of Strickland Brothers quick lubes (locations in Andover, El Dorado, Derby, Pittsburg, Fort Scott, Independence, etc.). Also involved in automotive, leadership, employee benefits, and real estate.
- Film production: Part-owner of 513 Films, involved in projects featuring actors like Mel Gibson, Kevin Sorbo, Kevin James, and others, often with faith-based or family-oriented themes. Recent credit includes executive producer for the 2024 adventure horror film Monster Summer.
His companies collectively employ approximately 1,000 people across multiple industries. He has served on boards including as former chairman of Athletes in Action and past roles with Finseca and the Northwestern Mutual Managing Partners Association. He coached youth and high school baseball for nearly a decade.
Personal Life
Sarnecki lives in Bucyrus, Kansas (Johnson County area), with his wife Heidi and their three children (Ava, Emily, and Blake). They also enjoy time on their Franklin County farm. He is guided by his Christian faith and describes himself as a "Kansas Dad • Husband • Businessman."
Political Positions and Platform
Sarnecki positions himself as a Trump-aligned conservative outsider tired of Republican losses in Kansas (e.g., to Democrat Laura Kelly). He criticizes "career politicians," high taxes, red tape, "woke" policies, and government incompetence, advocating a business-minded approach.
Key priorities from his campaign site and announcements:
- Economy/Taxes: Lower income and property taxes, provide relief for families and seniors, shred government red tape to help small businesses grow, create good-paying jobs, address high costs making housing unaffordable for young Kansans, and improve economic rankings (Kansas has lagged in some metrics).
- Education: Restore parental rights, oppose certain "woke" influences, focus on opportunities for kids to stay and build futures in Kansas.
- Other: Stand with President Trump, end "woke" policies in favor of merit and fairness, bring business-style accountability to government (e.g., auditing budgets for waste), support agriculture and pro-business policies.
- Social issues: Strongly pro-life, rooted in Christian faith ("every baby is a blessing"). Opposes radical DEI policies and emphasizes traditional values.
He has pushed for action on property taxes (even suggesting a special legislative session) and criticized GOP inaction on issues like congressional redistricting.
Good Reasons to Vote for Him (Per His Campaign and Supporters)
- Proven job creator and outsider: Extensive private-sector success demonstrates he can grow businesses and create employment—contrasted with career politicians. He self-funds significantly (e.g., $2M personal loan to his campaign) and claims strong fundraising.
- Rooted in Kansas values: Humble beginnings, family focus, Christian faith, farm life, and community involvement (coaching, boards) appeal to conservative, working-class, and rural voters.
- Focus on winning and results: Emphasizes turning around Republican electoral fortunes in Kansas by prioritizing affordability, taxes, jobs, and parental rights. Aligns with Trump-style populism and business pragmatism.
- Diverse experience: Finance, franchising, film production, and mentoring bring a broad perspective.
- Endorsements: Support from groups like Kansans for Health Freedom and figures like actor Kevin Sorbo, highlighting health freedom, religious liberty, and conservative credentials.
Campaign Context and Notes
Sarnecki entered the race in September 2025 as one of several Republicans in a crowded primary field. He has faced typical primary dynamics, including attacks from rivals (e.g., a mysterious email questioning his business practices on certain health issues, which he pushed back against).
This profile draws primarily from his official campaign materials, news coverage (e.g., Kansas Reflector, Topeka Capital-Journal, Ballotpedia), and public records. As with any candidate, voters should review his full platform, debates, and record directly, cross-reference multiple sources, and consider the broader Kansas political context for the 2026 election.
