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Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Schmidt

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First-term Kansas state Sen. Patrick Schmidt said Kansans’ needs are greater than what lawmakers can address at the state level. He spoke on KCUR's Up to Date about why his experience sets him apart from his Democratic opponents.

Calling himself the “door-knockingest candidate in the race,” Schmidt is competing in the crowded Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. His current Kansas senate district represents Osage County along with parts of Douglas, Jefferson and Shawnee counties. Schmidt says he would focus on cost of living, healthcare and corruption if sent to Washington D.C.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Laura Ziegler. It is produced by Seth Jahraus and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg, Madeline Fox and Emily Younker.

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As Kansas City grows and diversifies, journalists need to listen to the people, to your challenges and successes..As engagement and solutions editor, I’ll make sure we’re framing stories based on what we hear from you, and we’ll partner with communities so our stories help us understand and connect to one another. Email me at lauraz@kcur.org.
Seth Jahraus is the 2026 summer intern for KCUR Studios. Email him at seth.jahraus@kcur.org.
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