Scott Schwab, the top elections official in Kansas, has announced his candidacy for governor. The announcement, made through an online video on Wednesday, marks an early start for the 2026 race. Schwab plans to seek the Republican nomination to replace Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who is term-limited.
Schwab, the Kansas Secretary of State, is widely recognized for his firm stance against election conspiracy theories. Over the past few years, he has built a public profile by challenging unfounded claims regarding the integrity of U.S. elections, particularly the 2020 presidential election.
Despite widespread false claims made by figures like former President Donald Trump and others within the Republican Party, Schwab has stood by the validity of Kansas’ elections during his two-term tenure.
“There are people who try to make money off conspiracy theories — it’s nothing new,” Schwab remarked in an interview with The Associated Press. He added, “I think that train has run to the end of its track. There’s no money in trying to spread those types of things anymore.”
Schwab has also defended the use of ballot drop boxes, a practice that has been supported by election officials but criticized by some Republicans. He has pushed back against claims that voting by noncitizens — a rare occurrence — is a widespread issue.
Schwab’s Record and GOP’s Hopes for 2026
Schwab’s gubernatorial bid comes at a time when Kansas Republicans are eager to retake the governor’s office. In the 2022 elections, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly narrowly won a second term despite President Joe Biden’s unpopularity. Many Republicans view Schwab as a promising candidate for 2026 and expect a competitive primary.
Under Kelly’s leadership, Republicans have struggled to enact policies similar to those in other red states, including a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors and programs to allow parents to use state education dollars for private schooling. Schwab, who has a conservative record on issues such as tax cuts and abortion, supports both these measures.
In his campaign announcement, Schwab pledged to cut local property taxes and endorsed new rules restricting foreign land ownership, particularly by China, which Kelly vetoed in 2023. Schwab stressed his vision for Kansas as a state that offers economic opportunities while allowing residents to maintain their values and affordable living standards.
“California — a beautiful place to live; you just can’t afford to live there. The East Coast — economic opportunity, but you can’t afford to live there,” Schwab said in his interview. “Kansas, we’re just right there with this great economic opportunity.”
Controversial Stance on Election Integrity and Ballot Drop Boxes
Schwab’s stance on election integrity has been controversial within his party. He has openly rejected claims from Republicans, including some Trump supporters, that election fraud is widespread. Schwab has repeatedly emphasized that fraud is not a significant problem in Kansas and the U.S. at large.
Schwab also took a stand against fellow Republicans’ concerns about the use of ballot drop boxes. Despite criticisms from figures like Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Schwab has defended these practices, citing the absence of evidence that they contribute to election fraud.
As a state legislator, Schwab played a role in passing a 2013 law requiring Kansas voters to provide proof of citizenship before registering. However, Schwab reconsidered his stance after the law resulted in over 31,000 eligible citizens being prevented from voting, and federal courts later struck the law down.
Schwab also dismissed concerns that voting by immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally is a major issue, arguing that people who are in the country illegally would not register to vote because they do not want to draw attention to their status.
“If I’m an illegal immigrant — I’m here illegally — the last thing I’m going to do is go to the government to let them know I’m here,” Schwab said in December 2022, emphasizing his belief that voter registration is not a significant issue for illegal immigrants.
Personal Tragedy and Legal Battle
Schwab’s campaign for governor also comes after a personal tragedy that has shaped much of his public life. In 2016, Schwab’s 10-year-old son, Caleb, tragically passed away while riding what was billed as the world’s tallest water slide at a Kansas City water park. The slide was later shut down, and Schwab’s family filed legal claims against the operators and others involved, ultimately reaching a nearly $20 million settlement.
The death of Caleb remains a painful chapter in Schwab’s life, but it has also shaped his approach to leadership. His experience with tragedy has influenced his desire to bring practical solutions to the governor’s office and build a Kansas where residents can enjoy economic opportunities and live according to their values.
The Road Ahead for Schwab and Kansas Politics
As Schwab embarks on his gubernatorial campaign, Kansas voters will be watching closely. The race for 2026 is already gaining attention, and the Republican field is expected to grow. However, Schwab’s focus on economic opportunity, election integrity, and conservative values could resonate strongly with voters looking for a change in leadership after years of Democratic governance.
Schwab’s ability to navigate controversial issues like election integrity and voter rights, along with his personal story and conservative platform, will likely play a significant role in shaping his campaign and the direction of Kansas politics in the coming years.
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