No Democrat has won a Kansas Senate seat in a century. Can a megachurch pastor change that?

In a unique political scenario, Adam Hamilton, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Kansas, is trying to bridge the gap between his spiritual life and his political ambitions. Hamilton, the founder of the largest United Methodist church in the United States, faces an uphill battle as Republicans have dominated Kansas' Senate races for nearly a century.

Hamilton's pastorate, known as Church of the Resurrection, boasts over 25,000 members across nine locations in the Kansas City area. This gives him a strong foundation to draw from as he embarks on his political career. His experience in managing a large congregation and raising funds has given him valuable skills that he plans to utilize in his Senate campaign.

However, Hamilton's bid for the Senate seat is not without controversy. Some within his own party see him as too liberal, with Republicans attempting to use his religious leadership against him. They argue that his sermons prove he's too progressive for Kansas or even suggest that he might be a heretic for believing in a path to salvation for non-Christians after death.

Former Sen. Roger Marshall, who is currently in the race, has publicly labeled Hamilton as "too woke for Kansas." Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains undeterred. He's clear that if elected, he would continue his service as senior pastor at his church, preaching 12 to 18 times a year, while also fulfilling his duties as a U.S. senator.

Hamilton's approach to the race is distinct. He intends to avoid using his position in Washington to evangelize. Currently, he is on unpaid leave, taking an 11-week break from giving sermons. However, he continues to engage with voters, often referencing biblical teachings in his conversations and spending several hours each week on pastoral duties such as visiting hospitals.

Hamilton believes that his role as a pastor and senator are not mutually exclusive, stating, "I need that interaction with people and the caring for people."