Adam Hamilton won the Kansas Senate race. He defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall in a major upset.
Decision Desk HQ and CNN projected the win. The Associated Press called the race at 11:24 p.m. Eastern Time.
The win ends a 94-year Democratic Senate losing streak in Kansas. Hamilton becomes the state’s first Democratic senator since 1932.
A pastor’s upset win
Hamilton is a megachurch pastor. He leads Resurrection, the country’s largest Methodist parish. He ran as a first-time candidate.
He calls himself a moderate. He was once a registered Republican. His campaign spoke of faith and new leadership in both parties.
Marshall had the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump. Trump won Kansas by double digits three times. Voters still backed Hamilton.
The economy played a big role. High gas and grocery prices hurt the incumbent. Hamilton’s name recognition also helped him.
What is confirmed: Hamilton won the seat. The Senate majority already went to Democrats. Hamilton takes office with the new Congress in January.
