From Seattletimes · · 1m 40s
Kansas Senate race heats up
Kansas's historic Republican Senate seat faces a surprise Democratic challenge from a pastor who switched parties this spring.
In brief
Kansas's historic Republican Senate seat faces a surprise Democratic challenge from a pastor who switched parties this spring. Adam Hamilton, a pastor who became a Democrat in February, is now a serious Senate contender in Kansas after switching from Republican to unaffiliated, challenging incumbent Sen. Roger…
Kansas Senate seat
Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.
Adam Hamilton enters race
Adam Hamilton, a pastor who switched from Republican to unaffiliated in February, now runs as a Democrat for Kansas Senate.
Tight Senate race
Polls show the race between Hamilton and incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall is neck and neck with the Cook Political Report calling it a toss-up.
Republican response
Republicans promise $14 million to save the seat and believe their base will turn out to win the race.
Hamilton's economic critique
Hamilton blames Sen. Marshall and Trump for Kansas's economic problems including high diesel prices and beef tariffs.
Hamilton's church background
Hamilton founded the 24,000-member Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist congregation in the country.
Hamilton's Senate speech
Hamilton criticized the U.S. Senate as missing a brain, a heart and courage in a speech at Hutchinson's grain elevator.
Hamilton's policy challenges
Hamilton struggles to articulate positions on AI and healthcare but has gained support from moderate Democrats and Republicans.
Republican endorsements
Two Republican former governors, Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, have endorsed Hamilton.
Kansas economic issues
Kansas faces high diesel prices at $6.52 per gallon and beef tariff disputes with ranchers.
Senate race outcome
The race remains tight with both parties investing heavily as midterms approach.
The big picture
Adam Hamilton, a pastor who became a Democrat in February, is now a serious Senate contender in Kansas after switching from Republican to unaffiliated, challenging incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall.
