Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt (R) announced Friday that he will run for Congress in a bid to replace outgoing Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.).

Schmidt announced his campaign just a week after LaTurner said he will retire from Congress. The three-term attorney general is now gunning for the House after narrowly losing a 2022 gubernatorial bid to Gov. Laura Kelly (D).

“I feel a calling to serve, so I am excited to announce that I am running,” Schmidt wrote in an announcement. “I strongly believe that America needs more effective, conservative voices in public service.”

Kansas’ 2nd District contains parts of Kansas City and much of rural eastern Kansas. It is considered a safe conservative seat for the general election.

Schmidt’s campaign emphasized his experience as attorney general in being tough on crime and held up his record of arguing against the Obama and Biden administrations in the Supreme Court.

“Those of us who represent Kansas conservative values need to stand up and fight back,” he said in a statement, adding a jab at President Biden. “In Congress, I will work to secure our border, fight overreach from the federal government that doesn’t understand our way of life and stop the federal government from making daily life increasingly expensive and difficult.”

His announcement also affirmed his support for former President Trump in 2024.

“These past four years have made clear that America was stronger when President Trump served in the White House,” Schmidt wrote. “And I look forward to working with him and others next year — yes, to truly make America great again.”

Schmidt was generally viewed as a moderate during his stint as attorney general, but he embraced far-right positions on vaccines, transgender rights and critical race theory during his gubernatorial campaign. 

He also faced criticism for embracing election denial rhetoric surrounding the 2020 election, including working with a group that later urged people to participate in what became the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Schmidt also joined a Texas lawsuit attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, which failed.

Schmidt is the only GOP candidate who has announced a campaign for the 2nd District seat. The Kansas primary is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2024 NFL Draft with strategic focus, aiming to replenish their roster and build on their championship success. The Chiefs managed their draft picks shrewdly, addressing key areas to enhance both their offensive firepower and defensive depth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their selections:

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas – Round 1, Pick 28 (from Bills)

The Chiefs kicked off their draft by selecting Xavier Worthy, the fastest player at this year’s combine, with a record 4.21-second 40-yard dash. Worthy is expected to fill the void left by departing deep threats Mecole Hardman and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His impressive collegiate performance at Texas, boasting an average of 66 catches and over 900 yards per season, suggests he will be a vital addition to the Chiefs’ receiving corps alongside Hollywood Brown.

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU – Round 2, Pick 63 (from 49ers)

Kansas City chose Kingsley Suamataia in the second round, a versatile lineman capable of playing left tackle-a position left open with Donovan Smith unsigned. Suamataia could also provide a valuable swing option if right tackle Jawaan Taylor continues to struggle.

Jared Wiley, TE, TCU – Round 4, Pick 131

In the fourth round, the Chiefs added Jared Wiley, a tight end from TCU known for his impressive 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash and reliable hands. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 249 pounds, Wiley’s physical attributes and minimal drop rate make him a promising addition for rotational tight end duties and a potential future contributor to the team’s offensive schemes.

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State – Round 4, Pick 133 (compensatory selection from Bills)

Just two picks later, Kansas City secured Jaden Hicks, a highly-regarded safety from Washington State. Known for his solid size and exceptional game tape, Hicks is expected to fit well into any defensive scheme and develop into a starting safety under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State – Round 5, Pick 159 (from Cowboys)

With their fifth-round pick, the Chiefs drafted Hunter Nourzad, an interior lineman from Penn State. Nourzad’s versatility and experience across multiple positions on the offensive line make him a valuable asset for Kansas City, potentially backing up all three interior spots.

Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee – Round 6, Pick 211 (compensatory selection from 49ers)

Kansas City added depth to their secondary by selecting Kamal Hadden, a cornerback from Tennessee, in the sixth round. Despite lacking top-end speed, Hadden’s coverage skills and ball production have been highly rated, making him a suitable candidate for zone coverage schemes.

C.J. Hanson, G, Holy Cross – Round 7, Pick 248 (from Bills)

In the final round, the Chiefs picked C.J. Hanson, a guard from Holy Cross. With 38 college starts under his belt, Hanson’s quickness in the run game could be an asset. However, he will need to strengthen his pass protection skills to contend with NFL-level competition.

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ approach to the 2024 draft reflects a blend of immediate impact players and developmental prospects, aiming to sustain their championship-level performance while preparing for future challenges.