Former Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt could announce his plans about running for Congress this week, a source tells the Sunflower State Journal.
The announcement related to the 2nd District seat could come as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, but a source close to Schmidt said the timeline is fluid and could change.
Multiple political observers expect him to run for the seat, although political currents can change quickly, especially with multiple candidates jockeying for a position that is open for the first time since 2018.
A number of issues factor into Schmidt’s decision, including his family and his new employer at Husch Blackwell where Schmidt recently joined the state attorneys general practice.
An early announcement that he plans to run for Congress would give Schmidt a head start in a race that will be drastically compressed compared to the typical two-year cycle for a congressional race.
The primary election is less than four months away, meaning that candidates need to get started sooner and raise money faster than usual.
Schmidt is from Independence, and he represented that part of the 2nd Congressional District previously.
He served as a state senator representing southeast Kansas from 2001 to 2011 before he was elected attorney general.
He still keeps a home in Independence, which is often featured in his Facebook posts.
When Schmidt ran for governor in 2022, he received 47.9% of the vote in the 2nd District compared to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly who received 48.6% of the vote, according to data compiled by Wichita State political scientist Brian Amos.
Conservative independent candidate Dennis Pyle received 2.4% of the vote in the 2nd District while Libertarian candidate Seth Cordell received 1.7%.
As many as eight people have been mentioned as possible candidates for the seat that will come open with Congressman Jake LaTurner’s decision not to seek reelection later this year.
House Majority Leader Chris Croft is among those considering a run.
Even though Croft now represents Overland Park, he also has a house in the district. He does not have to live in the district to run for Congress in the 2nd District.
Last week, Kansas Young Republicans came out in support of Croft, posting an endorsement on their X — formerly Twitter — account.
The Young Republicans not only urged Croft to run but promised their support if he does.
“We believe Leader Croft is the strongest candidate that is ready to take the fight to Washington and champion the values we hold dear,” they posted.
“Should he decide to run, he can count on the full support of the Kansas Young Republicans, including our volunteer efforts to ensure a successful campaign.”
The Kansas Federation of College Republicans also have called on Croft to run for Congress. They said they would support him if he runs.
Meanwhile, one potential candidate who’s been mentioned – outgoing Republican National Committeewoman Kim Borchers – ruled out running for Congress.
“After some deep conversations with my family this weekend and seeking the Lord for clear direction, I will not be running for the 2nd congressional seat at this time,” she said.
“I will continue to invest my energy in moving the principles of conservatism in the public square,” Borchers said in a text message.
Republican state Sen. Caryn Tyson of Parker also is looking at running for Congress after making a bid for this seat in 2018, finishing second in the Republican primary behind scandal-ridden Steve Watkins.
The chair of the Senate tax committee has represented this part of the 2nd District in the Legislature since since 2011, first in the House and then elected to the Kansas Senate in 2012.
Jeff Kahrs, district director and senior adviser to LaTurner, also has looked at running for Congress.
Kahrs served in former President Donald Trump’s administration as the director of Region 7 for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Kansas City, Missouri.
He also served as the deputy secretary and chief of staff for the Kansas Department for Children and Families in former Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration.
Kahrs also spent 16 years as a congressional staff member to former Republican Congressman Todd Tiahrt as legislative director and chief of staff.
Republican state Sen. Pyle of Hiawatha, who has run for the seat twice before, has not been able to be reached for comment.
