Derek Schmidt

Derek Schmidt has emerged as a prominent conservative leader and dedicated public servant in Kansas, bringing a wealth of legal and political experience to his role as U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district. Born on January 23, 1968, Schmidt has built a distinguished career in public service, characterized by principled leadership and a commitment to conservative values.

Schmidt's political journey began in the Kansas State Senate, where he represented the 15th district from 2001 to 2011. During his tenure in the state legislature, he quickly distinguished himself as a capable leader, serving as Agriculture Committee chairman and eventually rising to the position of Senate majority leader. His strategic approach and deep understanding of policy issues set the stage for his future statewide roles.

In 2011, Schmidt was elected Kansas Attorney General, defeating incumbent Democrat Stephen Six and beginning a twelve-year tenure in the state's top legal position. As Attorney General, he established a reputation for robust legal advocacy, defending Kansas's interests and advancing conservative legal principles. His work in this role demonstrated his commitment to constitutional governance and conservative judicial interpretation.

Schmidt's political ambitions expanded in 2022 when he ran for governor of Kansas, securing the Republican nomination in a competitive race. Although he narrowly lost to incumbent Democrat Laura Kelly, the campaign further solidified his standing as a prominent Republican leader in the state. This experience positioned him for his subsequent election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, representing Kansas's 2nd congressional district.

Throughout his career, Derek Schmidt has been recognized as a principled conservative leader with deep roots in Kansas. A trained lawyer with extensive legislative and executive branch experience, he has consistently advocated for limited government, strong economic policies, and traditional conservative values. His transition from state-level leadership to federal representation reflects his ongoing commitment to public service and conservative governance.