Marshall and Hamilton clash as Kansas Senate race tightens

Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton clashed over the Iran war, tariffs and immigration enforcement Wednesday in their final debate, as a tightening Kansas race raises the possibility of the state electing its first Democratic senator in nearly a century.

Marshall argued that electing Hamilton could help Democrats take control of the Senate. Hamilton, a megachurch pastor making his first run for office, cast himself as an “independent-minded Democrat” willing to work with Republicans and independents.

“My opponent’s going to say anything he can to lie to get into that office and give control to Chuck Schumer,” Marshall said, referring to the Senate Democratic leader. Hamilton has pledged not to support Schumer for party leader if elected.

The candidates split over President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Marshall said they were working and had sparked a “manufacturing renaissance,” with jobs returning to the United States. Hamilton said they were alienating trading partners and allies. “This is creating instability, chaos and corruption,” he said.

Hamilton also criticized Marshall’s support for the war in Iran. “It was not a good decision to go to war in Iran, and we need to get out,” he said. Marshall said he wanted the war to end “as soon as possible,” but added that Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

Marshall blamed rising diesel prices primarily on the war in Ukraine, saying diesel production had fallen. Asked about Trump’s announcement that the United States would purchase Russian diesel, Marshall said, “It doesn’t sound like a great idea to me,” but added that he would support it if it helped bring Russia to negotiations to end the war, according to CBS News.

Both candidates criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Kansas. Marshall said raids targeting meatpacking plants in the state’s southwest were not “quite right” and said ICE should coordinate better with local law enforcement. Hamilton described ICE’s practices as “militarized” and “politicized.” CBS News reported that Marshall also cited Trump’s short-term waiver on beef imports as a policy he opposed.

Hamilton sought distance from other Democrats on several issues, calling the Biden administration’s border policies a “disaster.” During a discussion of transgender participation in sports, he said he did not want “biological men or boys” competing against his 12-year-old granddaughter.

The debate opened with questions about controversies involving both candidates. Marshall rejected allegations that he aggressively pursued former patients for unpaid medical bills. CBS News reported that he acknowledged some patients were sent to collections agencies, while saying many received free care.

Hamilton faced questions about his church’s handling of a child sex abuse allegation at a youth camp in 2005. He said the church made sure police learned of the allegation and later changed its policies. He denied approving the suspect’s return to camp but said, “I should have checked to make sure that he wasn’t going back. That was a mistake on my part.” NBC News reported that a Kansas City Star investigation found the church conducted an internal inquiry and reported the suspect to police.

Republicans are spending heavily to defend Marshall’s seat. NBC News reported that a leading Republican super PAC launched a $14 million ad campaign against Hamilton, while Trump rallied for Marshall near Wichita on Monday. CBS News reported that at least 100 Kansas Republican leaders have endorsed Hamilton and that election officials say early-voting numbers rival those of the 2024 presidential election.