Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab Launches Campaign for Governor in 2026
FIRST ON FOX: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab officially announced his candidacy for the state’s gubernatorial race, aiming to capture the Democratic-held seat in 2026. Schwab shared his plans exclusively with Fox News Digital this Wednesday.
Seeking Change in Leadership
Schwab, a Republican, is vying to replace current Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat who has held the position for two full terms. With her term concluding next cycle, Schwab sees an opportunity for significant political change in Kansas.
“We need to return to the values and principles that have always fueled us, and gave me the strength to lead in Topeka,” Schwab emphasized in a press release distributed to Fox News Digital. “I have a proven conservative record. And a servant’s heart. It’s important for Kansas to take the right path.”
A Proven Track Record in Politics
Scott Schwab first entered the political arena in 2002, when he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives. He further established his leadership credentials as the speaker pro tempore of the House before being elected as Secretary of State in 2018. His various roles have given him a comprehensive understanding of the state’s political landscape.
Core Beliefs and Campaign Message
During his campaign launch, Schwab emphasized his identity as “a Christian, a father, and a believer in the American dream.” He believes that in order to achieve greatness, it is essential to “throw off the chains holding you back.” For him, this means tackling what he views as the burdens of big government, and that’s a central message of his campaign.
Schwab’s campaign is also built around his alignment with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. He mentioned key issues he plans to focus on, including halting China’s acquisition of farmland, enhancing election security, and working to reduce property taxes for Kansas residents.
Political Landscape in Kansas
Despite Kansas currently having a Democratic governor, the state’s political scene is largely dominated by the Republican Party. The state has two Republican senators and three out of its four congressional seats are held by Republicans. This Republican dominance offers Schwab a solid foundation as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign.
Governor Laura Kelly’s ambiguous stance on re-election has left many speculating about her political future. During an interview with KCUR’s Up To Date, she hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the political spotlight: “It is really time for me to move on and to let others come up and serve,” she stated.
Republican Party Support and Strategy
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the newly elected chair of the Republican Governors Association, identified the Kansas race as a pivotal focus for the GOP in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. “I’m going to be very engaged, you can rest assured, to making sure that my [successors] are Republican,” he asserted in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
Kemp emphasized a wider strategic push, saying, “We’ll be working with the Trump administration and a lot of other people to make sure that that’s happening not only in Georgia, but in other states around the country, in places like Kansas, where we have a Democratic governor right now, and in places like Arizona, where we have a really good shot at winning the governor’s races. So we’re going to be on offense.”
What Lies Ahead for Schwab and Kansas Politics
With the launch of Scott Schwab’s campaign, the political landscape in Kansas is set for possible upheaval. His focus on conservative values, reduction of government influence, and alignment with Trump-era policies could be appealing to a Republican base that is eager for change.
As the race develops, all eyes will be on how Schwab mobilizes support and presents his vision to the voters of Kansas. The outcome will not only dictate the future of the governor’s office but could also serve as a bellwether for Republican strategy across the nation in the upcoming elections.
