Image courtesy office of Vicki Schmidt

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt has officially announced her candidacy for Governor of Kansas in the 2026 election.

A Wichita native and lifelong Republican, Schmidt brings over four decades of experience as a local pharmacist. Before becoming Insurance Commissioner, she represented Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties in the Kansas Senate. She was first elected Insurance Commissioner in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, receiving the highest number of votes of any statewide candidate that year.

During her time in office, Schmidt has secured more than $145 million in recoveries for Kansas families and cut over $75 million in business costs. She is recognized for her strong work ethic, close oversight of government operations, and commitment to responsive public service.

Schmidt has also been open about her personal health, sharing her breast cancer diagnosis publicly and urging Kansans to prioritize regular screenings. She and her husband, Mike, have lived in Topeka for more than 40 years, where they raised two sons and now enjoy time with their four grandchildren.

The Republican primary election for Governor is Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Kansans can learn more at VickiforGovernor.com.