AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Kansas on Election Day

The Associated Press (AP) reports on the significant Senate race in Kansas, where Democrats hope to follow in the footsteps of former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and win one of the state's U.S. Senate seats for the first time since 1932. The race pits Methodist megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton against incumbent Senator Roger Marshall.

In addition to the Senate election, Kansas voters will decide on a new governor and a full slate of federal and state contests. The Republican party currently holds a 53-47 Senate majority, but the Democrats are mounting stronger-than-expected challenges in traditionally Republican states like Kansas, Alaska, Iowa, and Texas.

The race for governor is considered a top pick-up opportunity for Republicans, with Republican nominee State Senate President Ty Masterson leading the pack with about 43% of the vote in the primary. The Democratic nominee is state Sen. Cindy Holscher, who overcame significant spending from fellow state Sen. Ethan Corson and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog to win with nearly 49% of the vote.

Voters in Kansas have historically voted reliably Republican in statewide federal contests, but the state has also maintained a 60-year streak of electing governors from the opposite party of their immediate predecessors. The Democratic base in Kansas primarily includes five key counties, and both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have campaigned in Kansas on behalf of Marshall.