Profile

Congressman Derek Schmidt – U.S. Representative for Kansas’s 2nd Congressional District

Derek Schmidt is the U.S. Representative for Kansas’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of eastern Kansas, including Topeka, Leavenworth, Emporia, Junction City, and parts of Kansas City and Lawrence. He was elected in November 2024 and began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2025.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 23, 1968, in Independence, Kansas, Derek Schmidt is a fifth-generation Kansan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in International Politics from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He later completed a Doctor of Juridical Science degree at the University of Kansas School of Law.

Early Career

Before entering elected office, Schmidt served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum and as legal counsel to Kansas Governor Bill Graves. He also worked as an attorney in private practice and later in the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

Kansas State Senate (2001–2011)

Schmidt was elected to the Kansas State Senate in 2000 and served for a decade. He represented the 15th District and chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee. He was selected by his peers to serve as Senate Majority Leader from 2005 to 2011.

Attorney General of Kansas (2011–2023)

In 2010, Schmidt was elected Attorney General of Kansas and was re-elected twice, serving three terms. As Attorney General, he focused on issues such as elder abuse prevention, human trafficking, child protection, and consumer fraud. He led multi-state legal challenges on federal regulations and health care mandates and oversaw the modernization of the state’s forensic science capabilities. He also argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Kansas. In 2017–2018, Schmidt served as president of the National Association of Attorneys General and was named Outstanding Attorney General in 2019 by his peers.

2022 Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2022, Schmidt ran as the Republican nominee for Governor of Kansas. He lost the general election to incumbent Governor Laura Kelly in a closely contested race.

U.S. House of Representatives (2025–present)

Schmidt was elected to the U.S. House in 2024 to represent Kansas’s 2nd District. He succeeded retiring Congressman Jake LaTurner. In Congress, Schmidt serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. His legislative priorities include border security, fiscal discipline, reducing federal regulatory burdens, constitutional rights, and strengthening the economy for rural and working-class communities.

Political Views

Schmidt generally aligns with conservative policy positions, supporting limited government, Second Amendment rights, tax reduction, and a strong national defense. He has advocated for stricter immigration enforcement, reform of federal regulatory agencies, and greater local control over education and health policy. During his time as Attorney General, he participated in multi-state legal challenges against the federal government on matters such as health care, environmental rules, and labor laws.

Personal Life

Derek Schmidt lives in Independence, Kansas. He is married to Jennifer Schmidt, and together they have two daughters. In addition to his public service, Schmidt has remained involved in his family’s farm and rural community. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.