Campaign is proceeding well. Thanks to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, and Kansans For Life for the endorsements. I promise to honor their endorsements by continuing to be a justice-minded judge for the citizens of Sedgwick County.
I am also thankful for the organizations that have given me opportunities to speak about Justice & Mercy and the Foster Care Crisis.
I am also committed to improving the administration of justice through legal publications. My latest article on mentoring will be published by the Kansas Law Review in the next month or so. I will post it here.
Although I am approaching this campaign season as if I have an opponent, so far no one has filed against me. I won’t know until June 2 whether I will be opposed. In the meantime, I welcome any support you can provide. Please review previous posts for ways you can support the campaign. Also, let me know about groups that might want to hear about Justice & Mercy and the Foster Care Crisis. Send me an email at kevin4judge@gmail.com if you have suggestions.
Judges swear to uphold the Constitution. The 4th Amendment bars searches without probable cause, and it is the judge’s duty to ensure police don’t violate this sacred amendment by not signing warrants that aren’t supported by probable cause. I promise that I will never sign a warrant before reviewing its affidavit of probable cause to ensure law enforcement officers respect your 4th Amendment rights. If the allegations don’t support the crime being investigated, I will not sign the warrant. Period.
The Constitution isn’t just a piece of paper. It is a sacred document intended to keep us free. I honor and cherish it as a citizen and judge and will not take my duties to defend it lightly.
If you appreciate judges who take their oaths seriously, please consider supporting my campaign for re-election in 2024. Easiest way is to donate to the campaign. Kansas campaign finance law allows you to give up to $500 per person for the primary season (up to August 2024), then another $500 for the general election (after August 2024). Checks can be sent to “Campaign to Re-elect Judge Kevin Smith” at P.O. Box 1633, Wichita, KS 67201. As we get closer to the election in 2024, and if someone files against me, I will need help putting up yard signs, knocking on doors, and getting the word out via social media and other means.
You can support my campaign in a variety of ways. Tell your friends and neighbors about me. If someone files to run against me, I will need supporters to help me knock on doors, put up yard signs, and maybe march in parades. Click on the “follow-me” links on this page so I can update you via email and social media.
Easiest way is to donate to the campaign. Kansas campaign finance law allows you to give up to $500 per person for the primary season, then another $500 for the general election. Checks can be sent to “Campaign to Re-elect Judge Kevin Smith” at P.O. Box 1633, Wichita, KS 67201. Donations cannot be made until after September 1, 2023.
Whatever you can do to help, I appreciate it. Of course, the most important thing to do is vote next year. More on that later.
It won’t be official until after September 1, but I am running for reelection in 2024. Here are the commitments I brought to the bench and will continue to bring:
I won’t make new law but will follow the law provided by elected representatives.
I will hold all state actors accountable to the U.S. and Kansas Constitutions.
I will issue timely rulings. I have never issued a written ruling more than a week after the hearing for the almost 8 years I’ve been a judge. Parties will know where they stand almost immediately so they can move on to the next stage in litigation.
I won’t rely on attorneys to research important legal issues. While I will read and consider all motions and briefs, I will meticulously research the law in all cases so my rulings stand up to the rigors of appeal.
When it comes to criminal sentencing, I will continue to exhibit justice and mercy in my court, and balance these against each other as each case demands.
Justice should not be a cookie cutter, one size fits all routine. Every case is different. I will listen to every litigant, victim, and attorney in my courtroom. I will decide on a case-by-case basis. Everyone will be heard.
Love my God, wife, daughters, parents, family and friends. All else is a bonus. Proud to be an American and live in the most free nation (if not a bit misguided) in the world. Back in the day I didn’t care much for politics. I witnessed my parents, Willie Smith and Barbara Smith, just working hard and raising their family, which is what my wife and I have done. Any government policies that detract from this are insane. God bless America!
Official colors in CMYK and official aspect ratio. Illustration of a flat American Betsy Ross flag designed during the American Revolution.
Paid for by the Committee to re-elect Judge Kevin Mark Smith 