Kansas Senate Race Tightens as Democrat Adam Hamilton Challenges Incumbent Roger Marshall

The race for the U.S. Senate in Kansas, a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932, has become a surprisingly tight contest. Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the largest United Methodist congregation in the country, is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, with recent polling indicating the candidates are neck-and-neck.

Hamilton, who brands himself an "independent-minded" Democrat, stated in an interview that he believes Kansas can "send a message to America to say, look, we got to come together, we got to work together." He added, "I'll only get elected with Republicans voting for me."

Despite President Donald Trump winning Kansas by 16 points in 2024, a New York Times/Siena poll found that 55% of likely voters disapprove of his job as president. Hamilton positioned himself as both liberal and conservative, emphasizing character and shared values over party affiliation. "I'm proud to be a Democrat, but what matters to me more than the letter behind your name is who you are, what you stand for, your character, and I think there's a lot of people like that in our state," Hamilton told ABC News' Jon Karl.

Marshall has criticized Hamilton, calling him "the ultimate snake oil salesman" and a "proud donor to Obama, Biden, and Kamala Harris." Marshall's campaign has also labeled Hamilton "too woke." Hamilton, who was a registered Democrat during the Obama administration and served on the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, has pushed back on the "too woke" label. On transgender rights, Hamilton expressed a belief in two genders and stated that men should not compete in women's sports, while acknowledging individual identities. He criticized the president for making transgender people a campaign issue, calling it "pathetic."

When asked about following Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Hamilton declared, "If it's good for Kansas, I'm all in. But if it's bad for Kansas, I'm a hard no."

Political science professor Bob Beatty of Washburn University suggested Hamilton's communication and fundraising skills, honed by his experience leading the Church of the Resurrection, make him a formidable candidate. The race has attracted significant outside spending from both Republican and Democrat-aligned super PACs.

Some voters, like 66-year-old rancher Philip Perry, have found the campaign "dirty" and "ugly." Perry, a three-time Trump voter, expressed disappointment with the current administration's policies affecting farmers. While he has met Hamilton and praised his ability to unite people, he stated he would vote for Marshall, whom he believes has done "a good enough job."

Rob Fillion, executive director for the Kansas GOP, noted confusion among voters due to the prevalence of negative advertising from both parties, suggesting this could make the race tighter than in past midterms. He anticipates Marshall will likely prevail.

Marshall has held fewer public events, but appeared at stops on the Kansas GOP's statewide bus tour. He brushed off concerns about Republican support for Hamilton, asserting, "What I see across the state is Republicans coming home."

However, some Republicans, like Bruce Bratman, who voted for Trump three times, are actively campaigning for Hamilton. At a recent event in Hutchinson, attended by a mix of Republicans and independents, unaffiliated voter Laura Shea expressed dissatisfaction with the current senator, stating, "I think we'd be crazy if we elected the representative we have now, who I don't feel, and a lot of people don't feel, is representing us."

Former Republican state senator Ed Berger also endorsed Hamilton, arguing that Marshall is "not representing Kansas" and is not challenging harmful policies. Joshua Farr, a constitutional conservative, attended a Hamilton event to learn more, though he expressed reservations about supporting a Democrat.

Economic issues, such as the rising costs of gas, diesel fuel, and fertilizer due to the Iran war, are impacting Kansas farmers. Steve Bowlin, a third-generation farmer, voiced concerns about the survival of his family farm and expressed that Washington is not hearing his concerns, regardless of presidential endorsements.

Despite Marshall's efforts to rally Republican support, Hamilton has gained endorsements from two former Republican governors, Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, as well as Marshall's former GOP primary opponent, Arch Naramore. Former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback has endorsed Marshall.