Derek Schmidt

Derek Schmidt is a Republican U.S. Representative representing Kansas's 2nd Congressional District. First elected to Congress in 2024, he assumed office on January 3, 2025. Schmidt previously served for 12 years as the 44th Attorney General of Kansas from 2011 to 2023, where he argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to his tenure as Attorney General, he served in the Kansas Senate from 2001 to 2011, including six years as the Senate Majority Leader. Schmidt's educational background includes 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, a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Doctor of Juridical Science from the University of Kansas School of Law. Before his career in elected office, he served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senators Nancy Kassebaum and Chuck Hagel, and worked as special counsel to Kansas Governor Bill Graves. During his career, Schmidt has been recognized by his peers, serving as president of the National Association of Attorneys General from 2017 to 2018. In Congress, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. His legislative focus has centered on public safety, border security, and reducing federal regulatory oversight.

Derek Schmidt maintains a conservative policy platform focused on border security, fiscal restraint, and state sovereignty. On immigration, he advocates for increased border enforcement and has introduced legislation to streamline the deportation of non-citizens charged with crimes. He supports state-level involvement in immigration enforcement and has praised the dismissal of lawsuits aimed at blocking state immigration laws. Regarding the economy, Schmidt emphasizes curbing federal spending to address inflation and supports initiatives to strengthen small business competition while reducing federal bureaucratic intrusion into the private sector. In healthcare, Schmidt has consistently opposed the Affordable Care Act, challenging its constitutionality during his time as Kansas Attorney General. He supports policies like the SHARE Act to enable healthcare providers to work more easily across state lines. His environmental position involves opposing federal emissions regulations that he views as overreach. On social issues, he identifies as pro-life, praising the overturning of Roe v. Wade and supporting state-level restrictions on abortion. Additionally, he has supported legislation aimed at securing elections, including requirements for proof of citizenship to register to vote.