As most of the KVOE listening area joins the Second Congressional District next year, Democrat Patrick Schmidt is getting out and about to meet potential constituents.
Schmidt is a former intelligence officer in the US Navy and is now in the Naval Reserve. He says watching his parents, both public school teachers, and serving in the military helped to shape his views.
At the Vote No celebration last Friday in Emporia, Schmidt hailed voters’ decision to turn down House Concurrent Resolution 5003, which would have meant lawmakers, not the Kansas Supreme Court, would have the final say on abortion regulations. He fully expects Republicans in the Legislature to try again, perhaps as soon as next year.
Schmidt is running against conservative Republican Jake LaTurner, who has represented the district since 2018. The Second currently involves Coffey and Osage counties but is expanding to include Lyon, Chase, Morris and Wabaunsee counties next year, thanks to redistricting by the Kansas Legislature earlier this year.
