Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt (R-Topeka) announced she is running for Governor in the 2026 election. A long-time community pharmacist and KPhA member, she is in her second term as Kansas Insurance Commissioner, having been first elected to the post in 2018. Prior to that, she served in the Kansas Senate.

After much speculation, her announcement was posted on YouTube on July 9. 

According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office, Republican Doug Billings is the only gubernatorial candidate to have officially filed for the seat. However, several other GOP candidates have announced their intentions to run. The list includes current Secretary of State Scott Schwab; former governor Jeff Colyer; Joy Eakins; Charlotte O’Hara; and Stacy Rogers.

State Sen. Cindy Holscher is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy.

The primary elections for statewide offices are Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. 

Learn more at https://vickiforgovernor.com.