An open congressional seat in eastern Kansas has led to two political comeback bids in the state’s primary election. Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is running in a competitive GOP contest in the 2nd District against opponents Shawn Tiffany, a rancher, and Jeff Kahrs, a former regional health official during the Trump administration. The district’s incumbents, GOP Representative Jake LaTurner, is not seeking reelection.
In the Democratic primary for the 2nd District, former U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, who previously held the seat, is facing off against Matt Kleinmann, a community health advocate and former member of the University of Kansas men’s basketball team. Boyda, positioning herself toward the political center, has received criticism from some party activists.
Republican voters in Kansas will also decide contested primaries in other districts where incumbents are seeking reelection. In the 3rd District, Prasanth Reddy and Karen Crnkovich are vying for the opportunity to challenge three-term U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the state’s only Democrat in Congress. In the 1st District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann is expected to win against Eric Bloom, a farmer and real estate investor.
Apart from the congressional races, there are contested primaries in several state Senate and House districts, as well as for various county offices across Kansas. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time across the state.
Schmidt was considered a frontrunner in the GOP primary even before Trump’s endorsement due to his name recognition from previous races. Trump praised Schmidt as an “America First Patriot” who will not disappoint voters. However, Kahrs has highlighted his own credentials, including past roles in the Trump administration, to appeal to conservative voters in the district.
In the Democratic race, Boyda has emphasized a centrist approach, while facing criticism for her stance against transgender girls and women participating in female sports teams. Her opponent, Kleinmann, aims to defend Kansas values in Congress, contrasting Boyda’s positions.
The primary elections will determine the final candidates who will compete in the general election to represent Kansas in the U.S. Congress.
