Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday that he will be running for the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Schmidt served as attorney general for 12 years and then ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Governor’s office.   In a press release, he stated “I feel a calling to serve, so I am excited to announce that I am running. I strongly believe that America needs more effective, conservative voices in public service.”   He said two of his key issues will be protecting the border and fighting against government overreach.

Incumbent congressman Jake LaTurner recently announced that he would not be seeking a third term in office in order to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with family.