photo by: Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector

Adam Hamilton, left, and Sen. Roger Marshall, right, debate at the Kansas State Fair on Sept. 12, 2026 in Hutchinson.

Political-watchers from across the country have their eyes trained on the U.S. Senate race in Kansas.

Sen. Roger Marshall, the Republican incumbent seeking his second term, is in a race that with a Democratic challenger who has built a name as the pastor of the largest Methodist church in America. The race, according to multiple polls, is much closer than national pundits had predicted, and now may be one of a handful of races that will determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the U.S. Senate.

Marshall is competing to keep his seat in the U.S. Senate against Adam Hamilton, a Democrat, and David Graham, a Libertarian.

The Journal-World sent questionnaires to all three candidates asking for their views on various issues, and details about their backgrounds.

Marshall did not respond to the Journal-World’s questionnaire. According to Marshall’s campaign website, he graduated from Butler County Community College and received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his medical degree from KU. Marshall practiced medicine in Great Bend for more than 25 years and served in the Army Reserves for seven years.

Roger Marshall

He has been a congressional leader on health care and agriculture policies, an advocate for pro-life issues, and supports the 2nd amendment. He also promotes U.S. trade around the world, according to his campaign website.

Hamilton is a fifth-generation Kansan. He served as the founding pastor of Church of the Resurrection, a United Methodist Church he and his wife LaVon started in Johnson County. Hamilton earned his undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a master of divinity from Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas. He has also written 30 books on faith, leadership and public life.

Hamilton told the Journal-World that his first priority if elected would be to lower costs, starting with the ones Washington has caused.

“Washington went to war in Iran without Congress ever authorizing it, as gas and diesel prices shot up,” Hamilton said. ” … I’d vote to end that war. I’d also end the tariff whiplash that has raised what Kansans pay for groceries, equipment and building a home.”

Adam Hamilton

Hamilton said to make sure his decisions reflect the interests of Kansans, he would want to hold regular town halls across the state and listen to the people.

“I won’t walk out when somebody says something I don’t want to hear,” Hamilton said. “Listening is the job … I will work for all Kansans, not just the people who vote for me. If my own party wants a vote that isn’t good for Kansas, I won’t cast it.”

“Kansas needs a senator who will stand up for Kansas, regardless of what their party or president is telling them to do,” Hamilton said.

Also appearing on the fall ballot will be Libertarian candidate David Graham of Overland Park, who also did not respond to the Journal-World’s request for comment.