Today is an important day. I am proud to announce that I have officially filed to run for Geary County Commission in District 1.

Over the last couple of months, I have personally gathered signatures from across District 1 and spoken with hundreds of Geary County residents. The response has been incredibly encouraging — many people expressed real excitement about having a strong, conservative candidate willing to fight for our community. These conversations reinforced my belief that now is the time to step up and bring principled leadership to county government.

Local decisions matter — and they deserve leaders who will put Geary County families, farmers, and small businesses first.

Below is the official press release announcing my candidacy:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

David Schneider Files for Geary County Commission, District 1

Junction City, KS – May 28, 2026 – David P. Schneider, a rural Milford area resident, successful small business owner, and dedicated conservative community leader, announced today that he has filed to run for Geary County Commission in District 1.

“I am filing for Geary County Commission because local government matters,” said Schneider. “Decisions made at the county level directly impact our families, our farms, our businesses, and our communities. I believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and putting the interests of Geary County citizens first.”

Schneider brings extensive experience in business, finance, and grassroots leadership to the race. As the owner of a local insurance inspection company and a former business banker with 18 years in the finance industry, he understands the challenges facing small businesses and the importance of responsible economic development. He previously served as Regional Director and Kansas State Director for the Convention of States Project, where he helped lead successful efforts for constitutional reforms, including term limits for Congress and a federal balanced budget amendment.

A resident of rural Milford, Schneider and his wife Cecilia are deeply committed to the Flint Hills region. Schneider is a familiar sight on rooftops across the area, conducting insurance inspections for hail and wind claims for major insurance companies. Cecilia works as a social worker at Fort Riley and serves as supervisor of the Family Advocacy Program. Together they have six children, three of whom work in Kansas public schools, including one in USD 475.

David is a graduate of Fort Hays State University, where he was a varsity wrestler. He is a 34-year member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the Kansas Rifle Association, currently serves as Milford Township Republican Committeeman, and was elected to the Kansas Republican Party State Committee in 2024.

“I will fight for you and your family,” Schneider added. “I understand the proper role of government is to protect our rights, not hinder our success. I want Geary County to be the pride of the Flint Hills — a place where families want to live, work, and thrive. I will demand transparency in county government and champion policies that support our veterans, farmers, small businesses, and families. Geary County deserves strong, principled leadership that respects our constitutional values.”

For more information about David Schneider’s campaign for Geary County Commission, visit www.Dave4GE.com.

Contact:
David Schneider
www.Dave4GE.com
620-381-3962

This race is about the future of our community. I’m energized by the support I’ve already received and look forward to continuing these conversations across District 1 in the weeks and months ahead.

I would be honored to earn your vote. Please feel free to reach out to me directly, share this announcement with your neighbors, and follow the campaign at www.Dave4GE.com.

Thank you,
David Schneider
Candidate for Geary County Commission – District 1

Brett is a long time resident of Junction City and owner of the architectural firm, Deam and Deam located on 7th Street in Junction City.

Online donations will be available soon, but physical checks can be mailed to:

Citizens to Elect David Schneider, Brett Deam - Treasurer

8624 Quarry Rd

Milford, KS 66514

If you own a home, run a small business, or are trying to stretch a fixed income here in Kansas, you already know the problem: property taxes are climbing higher every year, and it feels like no one in Topeka is doing anything meaningful to stop it.

This year the Kansas Legislature promised real tax relief. They talked a big game about reining in spending and giving taxpayers a break. But when the session ended, what did we get? Nothing. No meaningful reform. Just more of the same.

The real story behind the failure was ugly. Substantial infighting inside Republican ranks kept them from coming together on any unified plan. Instead of delivering the relief they promised, they left local governments holding the bag.

That means county commissioners across Kansas — including right here in Geary County — are on the front lines for property taxes. Commissioners have to set the mill rates, balance the local budget, and decide which services get funded. The goal sounds simple: stay revenue neutral. But anyone who has looked at a county budget knows how quickly things can spiral out of control if we keep doing things the same old way. If we don’t change course, taxes will keep going up, year after year.

The budgeting process will be heating up in the next few weeks as the current commissioners go through and decide all the nuances of that process. What we need are leaders with a business owner’s mindset — people who will ask the tough questions and get to the root of waste, fraud, and abuse of your tax dollars.Let me give you a real-world example happening right outside my front door.

If you’ve driven on US-77 between Junction City and Milford over the last week, you’ve seen it: the highway is being completely resurfaced all the way to the Riley County line.1 Three weeks ago that same stretch of road looked perfectly fine — no major cracks, no safety issues that jumped out at anyone. Yet now it’s been chewed up and they’re laying down fresh asphalt. It will be a beautiful, smooth ride when it’s finished, no question. But here’s what I keep asking myself: Why was this project necessary right now? Was it because federal money was available and “use it or lose it”? Was it state dollars that had to be spent before they disappeared? I honestly don’t know the full story — but what I do know is that millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on a road improvement that Geary County residents did not desperately need.

These are exactly the kinds of questions that should be asked — and more importantly, explained clearly to the people paying the bills. As a small business owner who deals with real budgets every single day, I believe commissioners have a duty to dig into these decisions, demand answers, and make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely.

Over the past month, many of you have encouraged me to consider running for Geary County Commission. I’ve told each person the same thing: if enough signatures come in to get me on the ballot, I will seriously consider it. Some folks have started gathering signatures for me, and I appreciate every one that comes in. It helps me gauge whether there’s real support for this idea.

Start Survey

I have not made a final decision yet. What I am doing right now is listening. Whenever I see folks around the community, I’m happy to stop and have real conversations about the issues that matter most to you — especially how property taxes and county spending are affecting your family or business.

If you’ve seen examples of county-level spending that don’t make sense — a project that feels unnecessary, money that could have been saved, or areas where the county cut spending in the wrong place and left a real need unmet — please share them with me. You can reach out directly, send me a note, or connect through www.dave4ks.com. Your real-world examples will help me better understand what’s happening on the ground.

We can’t fix Topeka’s failures from the county level, but we can make sure our local government spends your money like it’s our own — because it is.

Geary County deserves commissioners who will ask the hard questions, demand accountability, and put taxpayers first. I’m weighing whether I can be that kind of leader for our community.

Thank you for the trust so many of you have already shown. I’m grateful for your input as I think through this decision.

Let’s keep talking when our paths cross.

In service,
David Schneider

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We’re hearing more and more talk about data centers possibly coming to communities like ours. On the surface it sounds exciting — high-tech industry, big economic development, maybe even some new jobs. But when you look closer, the picture changes fast.

Data centers create very few permanent local jobs. Most of the work is done by out-of-area contractors during construction, and once they’re up and running, a handful of technicians can operate a massive facility. What they do demand in huge quantities is water for cooling systems and electricity for the servers. That puts real strain on our local infrastructure — the same electric grid and water resources that serve our homes, farms, and small businesses.

Even more concerning for taxpayers: these projects often come with requests for property tax abatements or other incentives. Companies ask the county to reduce or eliminate their tax burden in exchange for “economic development.” The result? The rest of us end up subsidizing their operations while getting little to no meaningful new jobs or long-term tax revenue in return.

As a small business owner who watches every dollar, I believe county commissioners have a duty to protect Geary County taxpayers first. We should never hand out tax breaks or allow major drains on our resources for any industry that doesn’t deliver real, lasting benefits — good-paying local jobs and revenue that actually stays here.

That’s why I think it’s time we have an honest conversation about a possible moratorium on new data centers in Geary County. Not a permanent ban, but a pause so we can clearly define what a data center is, set strict safeguards, and make sure any future project must prove it will be a net positive for our taxpayers and infrastructure before it moves forward.

We need clear standards: no tax abatements, full transparency on water and power usage, and guaranteed local hiring commitments that actually create family-supporting jobs — not just temporary construction work.

This issue is exactly the kind of decision county commissioners will face in the coming months as the budget process heats up and development proposals come in. It’s one more reason I’m carefully weighing whether to run for Geary County Commission.

Over the past month, many of you have encouraged me to consider it. I’ve told each person the same thing: if enough signatures come in to get me on the ballot, I will seriously consider it. Some folks have started gathering signatures for me, and I appreciate every one that comes in. It helps me gauge whether there’s real support for this idea.

I have not made a final decision yet. What I am doing right now is listening. Whenever I see folks around the community, I’m happy to stop and have real conversations about the issues that matter most to you — especially how county decisions on development, taxes, and resources affect your family or business.

If you have thoughts on data centers, examples of how they’ve impacted other counties, or ideas on what strong safeguards should look like here in Geary County, please share them with me. You can reach out directly, send me a note, or connect through www.dave4ks.com. Your input will help me better understand the real concerns on the ground.

Geary County deserves commissioners who will ask the hard questions, put taxpayers first, and make sure any new industry actually benefits the people who live and work here — not just the companies passing through.

I’m weighing whether I can be that kind of leader for our community.

Should I run for County Commission?

Thank you for the trust so many of you have already shown. I’m grateful for your input as I think through this decision.

Let’s keep talking when our paths cross.

In service,
David Schneider

Related:

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Hey neighbors of Geary County,

It’s David Schneider reaching out to you personally.

Two years ago I ran for Kansas State Senate because I care deeply about the pressures facing working families, small business owners, and our military community. I didn’t win the primary, but I was proud to carry Geary County overwhelmingly. That showed me the message was well received and how much stronger we are when we stand together on the issues that matter most in our own backyards.

In the last few months, a number of you have approached me and asked me to run for Geary County Commission in District 1. You’ve told me we need commissioners who will fight to lower property taxes, protect taxpayer dollars, and bring a no-nonsense business perspective to county government.

My response to every person who asked has been honest and consistent: “If you believe in this enough to gather signatures and get me on the ballot, I will seriously consider it.” I have heard there are some gathering signatures right now, and after a solid month of neighbors, veterans, business owners, and families stepping up to collect signatures, I feel it’s time to be straight with all of you.

I am actively considering a run for Geary County Commission.

This is not a formal campaign announcement — I’m not there yet. What I am doing is making a commitment to listen first.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be out canvassing across District 1 in Geary County. I want to hear from you directly: What issues are hitting your family or business the hardest right now? Are rising property taxes making it tougher to stay in the home you’ve worked so hard for? How can we bring good-paying jobs to our area without giving away your tax dollars in corporate handouts? And what more can we do to support our military retirees who would chose Geary County if only we can make a difference?

My own background has shaped how I see these local challenges. As a small business owner and insurance claims inspector, I’ve built a respected reputation working side-by-side with contractors and insurance adjusters to make sure claims are professionally documented and paid fairly. Every day I see the real-world impact of government policies on hardworking people and local businesses — and I know we can do better by keeping taxes low and cutting unnecessary red tape.

During the lockdowns I started a Facebook group called “Open Up KS” that organized over 13,000 Kansans and led rallies in Topeka to push back against the COVID shut downs that crushed small businesses across the state. That effort grew into Rising States of America, the nonprofit I founded and now serve as President. Through Rising States, I’ve continued fighting for rural property rights, our constitutional rights, and common-sense conservative principles.

I’ve also worked in Topeka as a grassroots leader the past 13 years to advance legislation calling for congressional term limits, reducing the size and scope of the federal government, and passing a federal Balanced Budget Amendment. In addition to passing legislation in Kansas, I have successfully introduced and passed legislation in six other surrounding states while leading a grassroots organization as their Regional Director for Convention of States. Those experiences taught me how critical it is to have leaders who actually show up and fight for limited government and fiscal responsibility — and why those same principles matter right here at the county level in Geary County.

If the signatures continue to come in and what I hear in conversations confirms that you want this kind of straightforward, taxpayer-first leadership, then I will run — and I will run to win.

If you’ve already been collecting signatures, please continue and let’s make a plan to get them to me soon. If you want to share your thoughts on county issues, just say hello when I’m in your neighborhood or drop me an email at dave@dave4ks.com. And if you’d like to help gather more signatures, I’d be grateful for the hand (must be registered as Republican and live in District 1).

You can see more about my background and previous platform at www.dave4ks.com (I’ll be updating the site as this moves forward).

Thank you for the confidence you’ve already shown in me. Geary County deserves commissioners who put hardworking families and taxpayers first, and I’m truly honored that so many of you think I can help deliver that.

Let’s keep the conversation going — I look forward to seeing you soon.

In service,
David Schneider
8624 Quarry Rd - Milford

Where is District 1 - Geary County? Click the link for the maps

One of the proudest moments in my years of fighting for limited government came in early 2026 when Kansas finally passed SCR 1604 — our state’s formal application for a Convention of States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

This resolution calls on Congress to convene a convention of the states, under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to propose amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and place term limits on federal officials. After years of hard work, SCR 1604 cleared the Kansas Senate in 2025 on a strong vote. Then, following a decisive federal court ruling in the case Thompson v. Masterson, the Kansas House of Representatives passed it on a simple majority vote in January 2026.

That victory wasn’t luck. It was the result of a carefully executed, six-year plan I helped design and lead. I introduced the resolution in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee. I recruited plaintiffs (at the time, Rep. Mike Murphy and Sen. Mike Thompson), coordinated legislative timing with judicial deadlines, and built the legal and grassroots strategy that made the court victory possible. It took tenacity, coordination between grassroots activists, legislative leaders, and legal experts — but we got it done.

This success in Kansas stands as a crowning jewel of my legislative experience. It showed what’s possible when you combine deep knowledge of the process with unwavering commitment to constitutional principles.

My work didn’t stop at the Kansas border. As Regional Director for Convention of States, I was instrumental in helping pass the exact same legislation in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Over that same period, I worked on the ground in South Dakota, Wyoming, Michigan, Iowa, and Montana, giving me hands-on experience in more than a dozen states. I learned the legislative process inside and out — and more importantly, I learned the political dynamics that actually move bills across the finish line.

Whether it was building coalitions, timing key votes, navigating committee hurdles, or turning grassroots energy into real legislative wins, these battles sharpened my ability to get things done even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Now, as I consider running for Geary County Commission, I want to bring that same proven experience and determination home to serve our community. County government may operate on a smaller scale than the statehouse or a national movement, but the principles are the same: respect the taxpayers, protect local rights, cut wasteful spending, and deliver practical results without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Property taxes, job growth done the right way, and supporting our military families in Geary County all require leaders who know how to build coalitions, execute smart strategies, and fight for conservative outcomes. The skills I used to help deliver SCR 1604 — and to advance the same cause across multiple states — are exactly the kind of leadership Geary County needs on the commission to help plan and deliver real results for our community.

If you want a commissioner who has a track record of turning big ideas into real victories, please tell me. I’d love to hear your thoughts as I continue listening in District 1. Feel free to reach out or connect with me at dave@dave4ks.com.

Should David Schneider run for Geary County Commission?

My name is Hank Jones, a local realtor in Geary County and an Army Ranger veteran. I’ve known David Schneider for over a decade, and I am proud to endorse him for the Kansas State Senate.

David has a deep commitment to our military community and understands the unique challenges faced by those working on Fort Riley. He has always been a steadfast advocate for veterans, ensuring we receive the support and recognition we deserve.

His background as a business banker and his extensive legislative experience make him uniquely qualified to address the needs of local business owners and our military families. David has successfully passed legislation in Kansas and knows how to get things done in Topeka.

David Schneider is a true advocate for our community. His dedication to veterans, understanding of military life, and support for local businesses make him the ideal choice for the Kansas State Senate. Vote for David Schneider on August 6th, a proven leader who truly understands our needs.

Sincerely,

William "Hank" Jones - U.S. Army Ranger (Retired)

A Clear Difference in Leadership

During the pandemic, I founded "Open Up Kansas" to help business owners and individuals navigate the confusing and often contradictory lockdown provisions pushed by big corporations and Governor Laura “Lockdown” Kelly. My efforts were aimed at ensuring that businesses, churches, and events could continue to operate safely, preserving jobs and supporting our local economy.

In stark contrast, my opponent, who was a school superintendent at the time, chose to close his schools, enforce mask mandates on students, and shift to remote learning. While I was on the ground, working tirelessly to support business owners and protect their rights, my opponent was collecting his sizable government paycheck from home, disengaged from the struggles of everyday Kansans.

Real Support for Business Owners

One of the many business owners I had the privilege of helping during this challenging time was Amanda Son, a local hairdresser. When a TV news crew ambushed her, trying to catch her in violation of the lockdown orders, she called me in desperation. I immediately contacted local authorities and guided her through the situation, allowing her to continue providing for her family. Amanda's story is just one example of the countless individuals and businesses that "Open Up Kansas" was able to support.

Amanda’s endorsement means a great deal to me:

"David's unwavering support during that crisis allowed me to continue providing for my family when the government was dictating how we should live our lives. His dedication to fighting for our freedoms and standing up against misinformation and unjust mandates was not only inspiring but also life-saving for many of us." - Amanda Son

Protecting Livelihoods vs. Political Convenience

While I was working directly with business owners to find practical solutions and keep their operations running, my opponent chose to play it safe, closing schools and mandating masks. This approach not only disrupted the education of our children but also failed to consider the broader impact on families and the local economy. His actions reflect a lack of understanding and a disconnect from the real challenges faced by our community.

A Commitment to Conservative Values

My efforts during the pandemic were guided by a commitment to conservative values—supporting small businesses, protecting individual freedoms, and opposing government overreach. These values stand in stark contrast to my opponent’s record of expanding government control and limiting personal choice.

Moving Forward Together

The choice in this election is clear. We need a representative who understands the struggles of small business owners, who has proven their commitment to standing up for our community, and who will fight against government overreach. I am that representative.

With your support, I will continue to advocate for policies that protect our rights, support our local economy, and ensure that government works for the people—not the other way around. Let’s build a future where businesses can thrive, where our children receive the education they deserve, and where individual freedoms are respected.

Vote David Schneider for Kansas State Senate. Let’s stand together for a stronger, freer Kansas.

Sincerely,

David Schneider

Bringing Proven Legislative Experience to the Kansas State Senate

As I campaign for the Kansas State Senate, I want to share with you the breadth of my legislative experience and how it equips me to effectively serve our community. Over the past decade, I have worked tirelessly in 14 different state legislatures, successfully passing legislation in six states, including our own Kansas. My journey as a registered lobbyist since 2013 has given me an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and the nuances of how things get done in the Capitol.

A Decade of Legislative Experience

My work in state legislatures across the country has been driven by a commitment to conservative values and the desire to create meaningful change. Here are some highlights of my legislative experience:

Broad Reach: I have had the privilege of working in 14 different state legislatures, gaining insights into various political climates and legislative procedures. This diverse experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex legislative environments and build coalitions.

Proven Success: I have successfully passed legislation in six states, including Kansas. This track record demonstrates my ability to turn ideas into actionable policies that benefit our communities. Whether it's advocating for term limits, fiscal responsibility, or protecting individual freedoms, I have been at the forefront of these critical issues.

Inside knowledge: Since 2013, I have been a registered lobbyist in Kansas, working on the ground to influence policy and working with legislative leadership to move initiatives forward. This role has given me a deep understanding of the legislative process and the relationships needed to drive effective change.

Understanding How Things Get Done

My extensive experience has taught me the importance of understanding both the formal procedures and the informal dynamics that drive legislative success. Here’s how my background uniquely positions me to serve our community:

Building Relationships: Effective legislation requires strong relationships with fellow lawmakers, stakeholders, and community members. Over the years, I have cultivated these relationships, allowing me to advocate effectively for our community’s needs.

Strategic Advocacy: Understanding the intricacies of the legislative process is crucial for successful advocacy. My experience has provided me with the strategic know-how to navigate committees, floor debates, and negotiations to ensure that our voices are heard and our priorities are addressed.

Grassroots Mobilization: One of the keys to my success has been the ability to mobilize grassroots support. Engaging and empowering citizens to participate in the legislative process has been a cornerstone of my approach, ensuring that the policies we advocate for have broad-based support.

Ready to Serve Our Community

I am ready to bring my legislative experience to the Kansas State Senate to help our communities thrive. My understanding of the legislative process, combined with a proven track record of success, uniquely positions me to be an effective advocate for our district.

Here are some of the key areas I am committed to focusing on:

Economic Growth: Promoting policies that support small businesses and create jobs, ensuring that our local economy remains strong and resilient.

Education: Advocating for educational policies that prioritize students' needs and provide them with the best opportunities for success.

Individual Freedoms: Protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens, standing against government overreach, and ensuring that our constitutional rights are upheld.

Fiscal Responsibility: Promoting responsible budgeting and spending practices to ensure that our state’s finances are managed wisely and sustainably.

Join Me in Making a Difference

Our community deserves a representative who understands the legislative process, has a proven track record of success, and is committed to conservative values. I am that representative. With your support, we can bring about the positive change our community needs.

Vote David Schneider for Kansas State Senate, and let’s work together to build a stronger, more prosperous Kansas.

Sincerely,

David Schneider

Senate President Susan Wagle in 2019. Full video here: HERE

As a hairdresser, my livelihood was threatened by the draconian lockdown provisions ordered by Governor Laura Kelly. One day, I was ambushed by a TV news crew trying to catch me in violation of the lockdown. Feeling helpless and under attack, I called David, desperate for guidance. He responded immediately, calling local authorities and helping me navigate the situation with calm and assurance.

David's unwavering support during that crisis allowed me to continue providing for my family when the government was dictating how we should live our lives. His dedication to fighting for our freedoms and standing up against misinformation and unjust mandates was not only inspiring but also life-saving for many of us.

"Open Up Kansas," led by David, was instrumental in providing the resources and support needed to challenge the forced masking and lockdown measures. He was there for me and countless others, standing by our side when we needed it most.

David Schneider is a true champion for small business owners and individuals. His commitment to our community, his courage to stand up against overreach, and his unwavering support for our rights and freedoms make him the ideal candidate for Kansas State Senate. I urge you to support David Schneider and vote for a leader who will always put the people first.

Sincerely,

Amanda Son - Owner