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Ex-GOP Governor Endorses Democrat in Kansas Senate Race

A rare cross-party endorsement has combined with a Democratic fundraising surge to narrow a contest long seen as safely Republican.

Overview

  • Mid-September former Republican governor Bill Graves released a video endorsing Democrat Adam Hamilton and said Senator Roger Marshall has “turned his back on Kansas.”
  • Hamilton outraised Marshall $3.7 million to $610,000 in the most recent quarter while Marshall still entered the general election with more cash on hand.
  • A New York Times report detailed that Marshall, in his prior role as a doctor, sued roughly 700 patients over medical debt leading to about 91 arrests and Vice President J.D. Vance publicly defended Marshall at a rally.
  • Political handicappers including Cook and Sabato moved the race from safe to likely Republican but continue to view a Democratic win as a long shot in a state that has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1932.
  • The developments have drawn national party attention and could sharpen campaign focus on health care and debt collection practices as Kansas voters decide the Nov. 3 contest.