Democratic voters held a crowded primary with 11 candidates competing, and Hamilton emerged as the frontrunner after entering the race relatively late and posting record-breaking fundraising. Preliminary results showed Marshall leading with 79% of the vote against Pond Naramore of Lawrence, while Hamilton led with 35% as only a fraction of precincts reported before the AP called the race.
Hamilton is running after co-founding what is now the largest United Methodist church in the country, and the campaign highlighted Kansas voters’ concerns about costs including gas, groceries, and health care. Republicans have controlled both U.S. Senate seats from Kansas since 1939, and Marshall is seeking re-election after previously serving one term in office.