Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has exclusively revealed to Fox News Digital his intention to run for governor in 2026. The Republican aims to succeed current Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, whose second term will conclude at the end of the next election cycle.
In a statement, the two-term Secretary of State emphasized his conservative credentials and commitment to serving Kansans. He expressed a desire to steer the state back towards its foundational values and principles, suggesting a departure from the current administration's direction. Schwab's political journey began in 2002 with his election to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he eventually served as Speaker Pro Tempore before assuming his current role in 2018.
Schwab's campaign launch highlights his belief in limited government and his alignment with President-elect Donald Trump's stance on several key issues. His initial campaign advertisement focuses on preventing foreign land acquisition by China, bolstering election security, and implementing property tax reductions.
A central theme of Schwab's campaign is his Christian faith and a call to return to traditional American values. He enters a political landscape where Kansas, despite its Democratic governor, leans heavily Republican, with a GOP majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Governor Kelly has hinted at the possibility of not seeking re-election, suggesting a potential opening for Schwab and other contenders. The Republican Governors Association, under the newly elected leadership of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, has identified the Kansas gubernatorial race as a key focus for 2026, aiming to flip the seat from Democratic to Republican control.
