United Methodist Minister Defeats Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas Senate Race

Democrat Adam Hamilton has defeated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas, according to The Associated Press (AP), becoming the first Democrat to win a U.S. Senate race in the state since 1932 in a stunning upset, Luke Fountain reported for CNBC.

United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas, securing the state's first Democratic Senate victory since 1932. [Photo: Adam Hamilton for Kansas Facebook]

Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and first-time political candidate, campaigned as a moderate and attracted support from prominent Republicans in a state that President Donald Trump carried by nearly 16 percentage points in 2024.

Voters’ concerns about rising living costs, the economy and the war in Iran contributed to the political backlash against Republicans.

Hamilton made affordability and the Iran conflict central issues in his campaign.

Marshall, a close Trump ally, faced scrutiny over lawsuits filed by his former medical practice against patients for unpaid bills, as well as questions about his Kansas residency.

The race became an unexpected toss-up in its final weeks, prompting Republicans to pour money into the state in an effort to defend the seat.