Former Attorney General Derek Schmidt was elected Tuesday to represent the 2nd Congressional District, completing the Republican candidate’s comeback after losing in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Schmidt defeated Democrat Nancy Boyda and Libertarian John Hauer, earning 55% of the vote, according to preliminary results. The Associated Press called the race at 10:13 p.m.

In a statement, Schmidt said he’s ready to get “straight to work securing our border, reducing the high cost of living, reducing the regulatory burden, and addressing the many other priorities Kansans have told me are important for our great country.”

The 2nd District seat was left open after incumbent Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, opted against running for reelection. Schmidt easily won a crowded Republican primary, taking more than 50% of the vote.

Now, Schmidt joins the state’s three incumbent representatives in the Congressional delegation after the trio all won reelection.

1st Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, won reelection against Democrat Paul Buskirk, earning 68% of the vote.

3rd Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, defeated Republican Prasanth Reddy and Libertarian Steve Roberts, taking 53% of the vote.

4th Congressional District: U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas, was reelected with 65% of the vote, defeating Esau Freeman.

Democrats attempt to keep 3 seats on state school board

Although Republicans already held a majority of seats on the Kansas State Board of Education, the departure of two moderate GOP members gave conservatives an opportunity to dominate the 10-member board.

The board’s makeup appeared to essentially remain intact, as three Democrats were in the lead for the five open seats as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. The newly elected members join conservative-leaning Republican members Danny Zeck, Michelle Dombrosky, Dennis Hershberger and Cathy Hopkins and moderate Republican Jim Porter on the board.

District 2: Incumbent Democrat Melanie Haas, 62%; Republican Fred Postlewait, 33%; Independent Kiel Corkran, 4%

District 4: Republican Connie O’Brien, 51%; Democrat Kris Meyer, 49% (O’Brien will replace Democrat Ann Mah)

District 6: Democrat Beryl New, 57%; Republican Bruce Schultz, 43% (New will replace Republican Deena Horst)

District 8: Incumbent Democrat Betty Arnold, 51%; Republican Jason Carmichael, 49% (228 of 230 precincts reporting)

District 10: Republican Debby Potter, 60%; Democrat Jeffrey Jarman, 32%; Independent Kent Rowe, 9% (348 of 371 precincts reporting; Potter will replace Republican Jim McNiece)

Have questions? Contact Brett Stover at [email protected] or on X @BrettStoverKS.