Former Republican Governor Endorses Democrat Over GOP Incumbent In Critical Senate Race

Former Republican Kansas governor Bill Graves is throwing his support behind Adam Hamilton, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race. https://t.co/FZ56Z4DaqR

— KSN News Wichita (@KSNNews) September 9, 2026

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This is not the first time Graves has endorsed a Democrat for statewide office. In 2018 and 2022, he backed Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) over her GOP opponents, with Kelly winning both times.

Hamilton, the senior pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, is trying to become the first Democrat to win a Senate race in the Sunflower State since former Sen. George McGill in 1932. To do so, he will have to defeat Marshall, an obstetrician in his first term in the upper chamber.

The election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the race as “likely” to go Republican. The Hill’s polling partner, Decision Desk HQ, also gave Marshall a roughly 8 in 10 chance of beating Hamilton as of Monday.

As of the end of June, Marshall’s campaign held a financial edge over that of his Democratic opponent. The Republican had nearly $5.4 million on hand to less than $1.8 million for Hamilton, according to the Federal Election Commission.

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Two-term Republican Governor Bill Graves endorsed Adam's campaign for U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/whvnbJ628y

— Adam Hamilton (@Hamilton4Kansas) September 15, 2026

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Graves shared his thoughts in the Kansas City Star newspaper on Wednesday morning.

“Adam understands the value in finding the common ground necessary to solve the tough issues confronting our nation,” he said. “The gridlock occurring in Washington is the result of both political parties refusing to stop the politicking and understand their public service role.”

Hamilton serves as senior pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area.

Some Republicans suggest his sermons are too liberal, and Marshall said in an interview that Hamilton is “too woke for Kansas.”

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