Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, becoming the first candidate to seek the GOP nomination. Schwab has gained recognition for his defense of the integrity of Kansas elections and his opposition to unfounded election conspiracy theories, particularly those propagated by former President Donald Trump. He has also broken with fellow Republicans on voting rights issues, supporting ballot drop boxes and rejecting claims of widespread voter fraud.
Schwab, a two-term Secretary of State, has a conservative record on issues such as tax cuts, abortion, and education. He is aiming to recapture the governor’s office for the GOP in Kansas, following Governor Laura Kelly’s narrow victory in 2022. Schwab’s campaign platform includes advocating for a cut in property taxes, endorsing restrictions on foreign land ownership, and promoting economic opportunities in Kansas.
The 52-year-old politician’s entrance into the governor’s race comes 8 1/2 years after a personal tragedy, the death of his 10-year-old son in a water park accident. Despite this tragic event, Schwab is focused on his political aspirations and hopes to bring economic prosperity and conservative values to Kansas. His campaign has already sparked interest as Republicans anticipate a competitive primary race in the 2026 election.
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