| A native of Independence, Derek Schmidt is the 5th generation of his family to call Kansas home.
The son and grandson of teachers, small business owners, metalworkers, miners and farmers, Derek learned early in life the value of hard work. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas, his master's degree from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, his law degree from Georgetown University, and his doctorate in law from the University of Kansas.
Elected the 44th attorney general for the State of Kansas, Derek made it his mission to serve and protect Kansans - especially the most vulnerable. He fought alongside Texas to secure the southern border of the United States, prosecuted criminals - including illegal aliens - who committed crimes in Kansas, and protected seniors and children from abuse.
Derek personally and successfully argued three cases for Kansas before the U.S. Supreme Court - including one to ensure Kansas could enforce state laws against illegal aliens - and won them all.
During the Obama administration, Derek was one of the attorneys general dubbed the 'last line of defense" against illegal and overreaching federal actions, who helped pioneer the role of state attorneys general in using state litigation to fight back against federal overreach.
Derek previously served 10 years as a Kansas state senator, representing a rural district in Southeast Kansas. He served four of those years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and six as Senate Majority Leader.
Now a partner in one of the top 100 law firms in the country, Derek represents clients nationwide. He also enjoys spending time on his Southeast Kansas farm. He and his wife are the parents of two grown daughters.
AWARDS AND HONORS
KANSAS SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION- Exceptional Service to Kansas Law Enforcement Award
KANSAS CHILDREN'S SERVICE LEAGUE- Distinguished Service to Kansas Children Award
NFIB KANSAS- Guardian of Small Business Award
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL- Kelley-Wyman Award as the nation's outstanding Attorney General for 2019
WICHITA CRIME COMMISSION- Criminal Justice Professional of the Year Award |