<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Former Kansas Republican Governor Bill Graves is endorsing Democrat Adam Hamilton in his campaign to unseat Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS). Graves, who served as governor from 1995 to 2003, shared his endorsement in a video on X.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Graves stated, “For the last six years, Senator Roger Marshall has turned his back on Kansas. In contrast, Adam Hamilton stands as a bulwark of kindness, humility and service to others.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Graves emphasized the growing partisan division in Washington, suggesting it is “time Kansas does something different” and urged voters to support Hamilton.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is not the first time Graves has endorsed a Democrat; he previously supported Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS) in her successful campaigns in 2018 and 2022.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hamilton, a fifth-generation Kansan and senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, won the Democratic primary against 10 other candidates in August. He has also raised more funds than Marshall in the most recent quarter, with $3.7 million compared to Marshall's $610,000, although Marshall has more cash on hand entering the general election.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Marshall secured the Republican primary with approximately 79% of the vote and is seeking a second term. He is known for his close alignment with President Donald Trump and will compete against Hamilton in the general election scheduled for November 3.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The race has gained national attention following Hamilton’s primary win. Analysts from Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Political Report have adjusted their ratings from “safe” or “solid” Republican to “likely Republican,” while still viewing a Democratic victory as unlikely.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), have expressed support for Hamilton following his primary success, portraying him as a candidate capable of offering a different perspective in Washington.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932, although Democrats have recently won several gubernatorial elections in the state. The upcoming election presents a significant challenge for Hamilton against Marshall in a state with a strong history of Republican dominance in Senate races.</p>