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Derek Schmidt
Politicians/Derek Schmidt
Derek Schmidt (R)
Rep. (KS-2)
Running for re-electionU.S. House (District 2) · KS · Nov 3, 2026
About Derek Schmidt

Meet Derek Schmidt

U.S. Representative for Kansas' 2nd Congressional district

Derek Schmidt is a fifth-generation Kansan who has spent his career standing tall for the values, safety, and prosperity of our state. Since taking office on January 3, 2025, Derek has hit the ground running in the 119th Congress, bringing his experience and love of Kansas to Washington to deliver real results for the people of the 2nd District.

Delivering for the 2nd District

As your Representative, Derek's top priority is ensuring that Kansas has a strong voice in the nation's capital. Derek serves on three key House Committees where he works daily to protect Kansas interests:

House Armed Services Committee: Advocating for our military installations at Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and Forbes Field, and ensuring our service members across the globe and the families who support them have the resources they need to keep America safe.

House Judiciary Committee: Lending his legal expertise to secure the southern border, reform the federal bureaucracy, fight fraud and abuse of the taxpayers, and support law enforcement.

House Small Business Committee: Protecting Kansas small businesses by ensuring they have the resources they need to grow and thrive.

A Record of Conservative Leadership

Derek's work in Congress is a continuation of the Kansans First philosophy that defined his 12 years as Kansas Attorney General. As the state's chief legal officer, Derek personally and successfully argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, stood up against federal overreach, and made protecting children and seniors his mission.

In Washington, he has remained a steadfast champion for:

Border Security: Cosponsoring and passing the Laken Riley Act and Sarah's Law to ensure the safety of our communities from the consequences of the Biden-era border crisis.

Economic Relief: Fighting to curb runaway federal spending, lower inflation, and extend tax relief for Kansas families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers through the Working Families Tax Cut.

Public Safety: Leading legislation to support victims of violent crime and coordinate the federal response to scams targeting our seniors, and backing legislation to deport fraudsters who are not U.S. citizens.

Deep Roots in the Sunflower State

A native of Independence, Derek learned the value of hard work from his family of teachers, farmers, laborers, and small business owners. He is a graduate of Independence High School and studied at Independence Community College before earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas. He also holds a master's degree in international politics from the University of Leicester (UK), a law degree from Georgetown University, and a doctorate in law from the University of Kansas.

Derek and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of two grown daughters. When he isn't in Washington or traveling across the 2nd District, Derek enjoys spending time on his farm in Southeast Kansas.

Derek Schmidt is honored to serve as your Representative. With your support, he will continue to fight for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Kansas.

Sourced verbatim from derekschmidt.com
Role Summary

Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.

Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Votes with party
99% · avg 99%
Age
58
Religion
Lutheran
Birthplace
lndependence, KS
Residence
Independence, KS
Born
January 23, 1968
Family
Wife: Jennifer; 2 Children
Contact
202-225-6601Contact Formschmidt.house.gov
Election Info
District2, KS
Current Term01/03/2025 — Present
First Elected11/05/2024
Last Elected11/05/2024
Next Representative Election2026
Education
JD
Georgetown University
MA, International Politics
University of Leicester, England
BS, Journalism
University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Attended
Independence Community College
Graduated, Doctoral Law Studies
University of Kansas School of Law
Political Career4
Senator
Kansas State Senate
2001-2010
Majority Leader
Kansas State Senate
2005-2010
Attorney General
State of Kansas
2010-2023
Representative
United States House of Representatives, Kansas
2025-present
Professional Background5
Legislative Director/General Counsel
United States Senator Chuck Hagel
Former Special Counsel
Governor Bill Graves
Former Legislative Assistant
United States Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum
Former Assistant Attorney General
Kansas Consumer Protection Division
Partner
Husch Blackwell
2023-present
Organizations10
Independence Industries Incorporated
Director
Kansas State Historical Society
Director
Advisory Council, Kansas Geological Survey
Member
Board of Directors, Kansas Legal Services for Prisoners Incorporated
Member
Community Advisory Committee, Public Television Station KTWU
Member
Independence Chamber of Commerce
Member
Leadership Kansas
Trustee
Rotary Club of Independence
Member
Eastern Kansas Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Trustee
National Association of Attorneys General
President
2017-2018
Committees11
Armed Services Committee
Committee on Small Business
Committee on the Judiciary
Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement
Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development
Subcommittee on Military Personnel
Subcommittee on Oversight (Judiciary)
Subcommittee on Readiness
Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
Subcommittee on The Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust
Recent votes5
HR 4219National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025Voted NoHR 3276Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026Voted NoHR 4795Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026Voted YesH J Res 1Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justicesVoted YesHR 1501Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025Voted Yes
Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Votes with party
99% · avg 99%
Age
58
Religion
Lutheran
Birthplace
lndependence, KS
Residence
Independence, KS
Born
January 23, 1968
Family
Wife: Jennifer; 2 Children
Contact
202-225-6601Contact Formschmidt.house.gov