Southeast Kansas's own Derek Schmidt is one step closer to a Congressional seat in November.

 

Schmidt was announced as the winner of the Republican primary for the District 2 open seat, being vacated by Jake LaTurner. Schmidt says it's great to experience this moment in the town he grew up in.

 

A watch party was held at Dickey's Barbecue in downtown Independence, with a large crowd of supporters on hand to witness the victory. Schmidt says, however, the focus now shifts to November.

 

Schmidt served as the state's Attorney General from 2011 until 2022, when he narrowly lost the Governor election in 2022 to Laura Kelly. He says the next step is to unite voters from all parties.

 

Schmidt will run against Democratic nominee Nancy Boyda in the General Election on November 5th.