After three decades in the insurance business, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins is aiming to oversee the industry from the other side of the table, launching a bid for state insurance commissioner with a pledge to reform how insurance is delivered across the state.
Hawkins, a Republican from District 100, is the first to formally announce a campaign for the role, according to AM Best.
His candidacy comes as current Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt weighs a potential run for governor in 2026.
First elected to the Kansas House in 2013, Hawkins has held multiple leadership roles, including House majority leader and chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. Alongside his legislative work, he spent 30 years in the insurance sector, with a focus on employee benefits. His background also includes service in the Kansas National Guard.
Hawkins said his private-sector experience has given him insight into regulatory challenges and consumer needs.
"My goals for the insurance department are simple: Create a competitive insurance environment in our state that will lower costs for everyone and ensure that insurance issues are easy to navigate for everyday Kansans," Hawkins said in a statement to AM Best. "No Kansan should be wrongly denied coverage."
In a tone similar to national political rhetoric, Hawkins said that insurers who break the law would face serious consequences, comparing his proposed enforcement style to federal crackdowns on foreign criminal operations.
Hawkins has also built a legislative record focused on cost-of-living issues, supporting efforts to eliminate the state income tax on Social Security benefits, repeal state-collected property taxes, and lower income taxes for Kansas residents.
Meanwhile, the future of the insurance commissioner’s office remains uncertain as Schmidt considers her next political move. In a recent email to AM Best, Schmidt said she remains undecided but confirmed growing interest in her potential gubernatorial candidacy.
“I cannot go to the grocery store without someone asking me if I will run for governor,” she said. She added that until a decision is made, she intends to continue efforts to cut costs and return value to consumers, citing over $146 million returned to Kansans during her tenure.
As AM Best has reported, Schmidt would not be alone in shifting from a regulatory position to a higher office. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King recently launched a campaign for the US Senate.
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