Kan. Stat. § 25-312a
Except as otherwise provided in K.S.A. 20-2903 through 20-2913, and amendments thereto, whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of judge of the district court, it shall be filled by appointment by the governor following receipt of notice from the clerk of the supreme court, which shall be given not later than 120 days following the date the vacancy occurs or will occur. If the vacancy occurs on or after May 1 of the second year of the term, the person so appointed shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor is elected and qualified. If the vacancy occurs before May 1 of the second year of the term, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified at the next general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. Any appointment made by the governor as required by this section shall be made within 90 days following receipt of notice from the clerk of the supreme court.
K.S.A. 25-312a