Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted public servant, educator, and proud Kansan, my friend, Bob Tomlinson, who passed away in February 2025 at his home in Kansas. Bob Tomlinson lived a life defined by service to others. Whether in the classroom, the Kansas Statehouse, or around the family dinner table, Bob believed deeply in showing up for people, listening carefully, and leaving every place a little better than he found it. From an early age, Bob demonstrated a passion for public service and civic engagement.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatR+20R shift +5$823K raised
Derek Schmidt
Representative · Kansas · Republican
Derek Schmidt
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I add my voice to those advocating in support of the Main Street Competes Act. Our bill addresses the concerns that small businesses have limited visibility into how Federal antitrust enforcement efforts may affect their ability to compete. While large mergers and anticompetitive practices can disadvantage small firms, there is currently no consistent governmentwide assessment of how enforcement actions by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission may affect small business competitiveness or how such agencies respond to small business complaints.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who put on the badge every day and stand between safety and danger. Across Kansas and across our Nation, law enforcement officers answer the calls most of us hope we will never have to make. They run toward danger when others are running away. They work long nights, miss holidays, and experience difficult moments that often go unseen or unrecognized. Their service demands courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their communities.
Biography
Derek Schmidt, a former state attorney general, built his career advocating for public safety and consumer protection in Kansas. Elected as U.S. Representative for Kansas in 2024, he prioritizes rural healthcare access, agricultural policy, and safeguarding constitutional rights. Schmidt played a key role in securing federal disaster relief for Kansas farmers and serves on the House Agriculture Committee. Through pragmatic leadership and a focus on practical solutions, he works to ensure Kansans’ voices are heard in Washington.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Kansas's 2nd congressional district for 1 term.
Attorney General of Kansas
2011–2023Elected statewide and served three terms as the state's chief legal officer.
State Senator, Kansas 15th District
2001–2011Served in the Kansas Senate, including service as Senate majority leader and chair of the Agriculture Committee.
Senate Majority Leader, Kansas Senate
2004–2011Elected by his colleagues to lead the Republican majority in the Kansas Senate.
Assistant Kansas Attorney General
Served in the Kansas Attorney General's office before his election to the state senate.
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Derek Schmidt's record in Congress.
Consumer Protection
Led efforts to combat robocalls and deceptive telemarketing, securing settlements and increased protections for Kansas consumers.
Opioid Crisis Response
Negotiated Kansas’s participation in multi-state opioid settlements, resulting in millions for addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Human Trafficking Legislation
Championed laws strengthening penalties and support services in Kansas for victims of human trafficking.
Veterans’ Legal Assistance
Established the Kansas Attorney General’s Military and Veterans Legal Assistance Initiative to provide free legal help to veterans.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Small Business
- House Committee on the Judiciary
- House Committee on Armed Services
Rep. Derek Schmidt FAQ
Reach Kansas Lawmakers
Launch an AI-powered advocacy campaign that delivers personalized letters to Representative Schmidt and Kansas's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign