Patrick Schmidt (politician)
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Patrick Schmidt | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 19th district | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Pyle |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Megan Walden |
| Education | Tufts University (BA) |
Patrick Schmidt is an American politician serving as a member of the Kansas Senate from the 19th district.
Schmidt grew up in Overland Park, Kansas.[1] He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in 2013.[2]
Career
Schmidt served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves and worked at the Pentagon.[3]
2022 U.S. House campaign
In 2022, Schmidt ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Kansas' 2nd district challenging incumbent Republican Jake LaTurner.[4] The January 6 United States Capitol attack motivated him to enter politics.[3] He criticized LaTurner for his vote to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and for his opposition to abortion rights. LaTurner won with 57% to Schmidt's 42% of the vote.[5]
Kansas Senate
Elections
After redistricting made the 19th District of the Kansas Senate a safely Democratic seat, Schmidt announced his candidacy for the 2024 election. He easily defeated state House Minority Leader Vic Miller and ShaMecha King Simms in the primary.
Tenure
In 2025, Schmidt crticized Republicans for advancing legislation which would eliminate property taxes for private jets and yachts, banning gender-affirming care for minors, and compell teachers to not use minors preferred name or pronouns instead of tax relief legislation. He broke from his party and voted to support a constitutional amendment referendum that limits taxable property valuations from increasing by more than 3% annually.[3]