An affiliate of the conservative Club for Growth Action has launched a $2 million advertising campaign against Republican Kansas gubernatorial candidate Vicki Schmidt ahead of the state's Aug. 4 primary, according to a report by The Hill.
The political group School Freedom Fund released a 30-second ad Wednesday attacking Schmidt's record on immigration-related votes she took as a former state senator in 2008. The ad buy is airing in the Kansas City and Topeka media markets.
Schmidt currently serves as Kansas Insurance Commissioner. She faces competition from Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, who has received an endorsement from President Trump, in the crowded Republican primary to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
The advertisement references amendments proposed by then-state Sen. Tim Huelskamp that would have restricted public benefits and educational access for undocumented immigrants. One amendment sought to bar non-lawfully present aliens from receiving state or local public benefits. Another would have prevented immigrants without documentation from seeking legal status to obtain in-state tuition rates. Both amendments failed, with Schmidt voting against both measures.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics of the ad campaign argue that the attacks exploit immigration as a wedge issue to divide Republican primary voters. Schmidt's campaign has pointed to broad opposition to the 2008 policy changes from Kansas agricultural and business groups including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Livestock Association, and Kansas Farm Bureau.
Schmidt campaign spokesperson Mandy Roe suggested the outside spending indicated the campaign was gaining traction with everyday Kansans. "Making the bought and paid for candidates concerned about their path," Roe said in a statement responding to the advertisement.
The Schmidt campaign has also emphasized her commitment to deporting violent criminals and drug dealers, framing the candidate as focused on public safety rather than broad immigration enforcement.
What the Right Is Saying
School Freedom Fund President David McIntosh defended the advertising investment. "Vicki Schmidt has spent her career putting illegal aliens and teacher unions ahead of Kansas families," McIntosh said in a statement accompanying the ad release.
The organization, which advocates for school choice policies, has indicated willingness to spend whatever is necessary to defeat Schmidt before the primary. "If you call yourself a Republican and oppose school freedom, expect to lose an expensive primary," McIntosh added, framing Schmidt's positions as inconsistent with conservative principles.
President Trump's endorsement of Masterson signals establishment Republican support for Schmidt's primary opponent. The Club for Growth has historically aligned with Trump-aligned conservative priorities and frequently intervenes in Republican primaries it views as critical to advancing its policy agenda.
What the Numbers Show
The School Freedom Fund ad buy represents a significant investment in the Kansas governor's race, with $2 million allocated across Kansas City and Topeka television markets. The Aug. 4 primary winner will become the clear front-runner for the November general election in the traditionally Republican-leaning Sunflower State.
Schmidt served as a state senator from 1993 to 2009 before becoming Insurance Commissioner. Her tenure included voting against two amendments related to immigrant eligibility for public benefits and in-state tuition rates, both of which failed to pass the Kansas Senate.
The gubernatorial race is viewed by Republicans as a key pickup opportunity following Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's term-limited exit from office.
The Bottom Line
The School Freedom Fund campaign signals the high stakes surrounding the Kansas Republican primary for governor as outside conservative groups seek to shape the party's nominee. Schmidt must navigate attacks on her legislative record while distinguishing herself from both primary opponents and the national Republican agenda heading into the general election, where she would face whichever Democrat emerges from that party's primary process.