Republican-turned-Democrat aims to flip Kansas Senate seat blue
Kansas has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1932 — but this year, the party hopes a former Republican who serves as pastor of a massive church could flip the seat.
The Kansas Senate race has taken a dramatic turn as Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican, has switched affiliations to join the Democratic party. This development comes amidst a heated campaign, featuring billboards with Marshall lounging in a beach chair against a tropical backdrop. The billboards, supported by United Futures PAC, aim to portray Marshall as out of touch with Kansans, a sentiment widely shared by Democrats.
Political scientists suggest that the perfect storm of factors such as President Trump's unpopularity, a troubled agriculture sector, and Hamilton's appeal to moderate Republicans could lead to a blue victory. Even though Trump secured 16 points in 2024, his approval rating has dropped to 39%, driven by high fuel prices, tariffs on Argentine beef, and harsh immigration policies.
President Trump's decision to suspend tariffs on Argentine beef has hit ranchers hard, with potential losses of up to $600 per head. Trump's immigration policies have also been a sore point, with unexpected ICE raids in western Kansas causing workforce shortages and higher beef prices. In response, Marshall distanced himself from Trump, distancing himself from his previous support for Trump's Iran strategy and energy policies.
Hamilton, a pastor leading the largest United Methodist church in Kansas, has a fighting chance given the historical inability of Democrats to win in Kansas since 1932. Recent polls show a virtual tie, with Hamilton leading at 45% to Marshall's 43%. Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball have recently rated the race as Lean Republican, indicating a potential shift.
Hamilton, a political novice, is described as a centrist who founded the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, which has over 23,000 members. Marshall has characterized Hamilton as a liberal Democrat, painting him as a radical who aligns with the Democratic Party platform. Attack ads have portrayed Hamilton as a snake oil salesman who profits from his megachurch.
Despite the skepticism about Hamilton's chances, Democrats remain optimistic. Some experts warn that voters may be hesitant to cross party lines, given the historical differences in political views between Eastern and Western Kansas. The billboards, displayed in Kansas City and Wichita, highlight Marshall's second home in Sarasota, Florida, to emphasize his alleged disconnection from Kansans.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
