(MSC News)--Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt has announced her bid to run for Governor of Kansas in 2026.

That's according to a release from Schmidt, a Wichita native and lifelong Republican, who has worked for over 40 years as a local pharmacist.

According to the release, Schmidt served Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties in the Kansas Senate before being elected Kansas Insurance Commissioner.

She was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 with the largest vote total statewide of any candidate for statewide office, according to the release which adds that Schmidt "is best known for her work ethic, scrutiny of government operations and customer service approach to serving Kansans."

The Republican primary election for Governor is Tuesday, August 4, 2026.