Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is seeking a spot in Congress.
Schmidt, who most recently ran as the Republican nominee for governor in 2022, announced on Friday his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Kansas’ Second Congressional District, which locally encompasses Junction City and Wabaunsee County.
“My family and I are grateful for the many friends and neighbors who have reached out to let us know they believe we have more to offer Kansas,” said Schmidt. “I feel a calling to serve, so I am excited to announce that I am running. I strongly believe that America needs more effective, conservative voices in public service.”
Schmidt served as the Kansas Attorney General for 12 years, touting his record in a Friday news release as someone strong on prosecuting criminals, emphasizing his prosecution of “numerous illegal aliens who committed crimes in Kansas.”
Schmidt will look to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Jake LaTurner, who earlier this month bowed out of a re-election bid, stating a desire to spend more time with his young family.
Schmidt’s full statement is available below:
“President Biden and the radicals he enables have unleashed a dangerous agenda on our country. Those of us who represent Kansas conservative values need to stand up and fight back. In Congress, I will work to secure our border, fight overreach from a federal government that doesn’t understand or respect our way of life, and stop the federal government from making daily life increasingly expensive and difficult.
“My steady guidepost will be what is best for the people of the Second District and for America. These past four years have made clear that America was stronger when President Trump served in the White House, and I look forward to working with him and others next year – yes, to truly make America great again.
“Kansans know me and my longstanding support for our freedoms that generations of Americans have sacrificed so much to defend, for law and order, for Veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces, for farmers and ranchers, for small businesses, for our great Kansas colleges and universities, for life, and for the Second Amendment. They know I am proud to be a Kansan. Always have been. It would be an honor to be your voice in Congress. I respectfully ask for your vote.”
