David Schneider, former regional director for the Convention of States Project, has filed to run as a Republican for the Senate seat that will come open with Jeff Longbine’s retirement.
Schneider has filed to run for the Senate District 17 seat that Longbine has represented for 14 years.
At this point, Schneider will face former Southern Lyon County Schools Superintendent Mike Argabright in the primary.
Last week, Emporia School Board member Lillian Lingenfelter filed to run as a Democrat for the Senate 17 seat.
Schneider said he is “running as a steadfast Republican candidate with a robust background in business, finance, and public service.
“With a focus on bolstering our local economy, enhancing public safety, and protecting the property rights of rural Kansans, I am excited to enter this race,” Schneider said in a statement.
“My extensive experience in business, banking, and community advocacy equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges facing our district.”
As the regional director of Convention of States, Schneider in the past has lobbied for the Kansas Legislature to pass a resolution asking Congress to call a convention of states under Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution.
The Legislature has considered a resolution to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, including term limits for members of Congress.
The Legislature has repeatedly over the years come up short of the two-thirds vote required by the state constitution to pass the resolution, although that requirement is now being challenged in court.
Since 2013, Schneider said he has advocated for constitutional reform, states’ rights and “building engaged citizen-led coalitions, successfully passing legislation in six different states throughout the Midwest.”
Schneider said he recently left the Convention of States Project, for which he was the first Kansas director.
Schneider emphasized other parts of his background in announcing his campaign.
As the owner of an insurance claims inspection business and a former business banker, Schneider said he understands the role small businesses play in fueling economic growth.
He also cited his 18 years in the banking industry, saying it gives him “a deep understanding of financial management and economic development.”
Senate District 17 covers Lyon County and Morris County and parts of Geary County, including Junction City.
About 40% of Senate District 17 is made up of Republican voters, and 24% of the voters are Democrats. About 35% of the voters here are unaffiliated.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly carried this district with about 51% of the vote, while Republican Derek Schmidt received about 46% of the vote. Conservative independent Dennis Pyle received about 2% of the vote in the district.
The constitutional amendment on abortion was defeated in this district with about 61% of the vote.
