President Donald Trump has suggested an upcoming rally to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas. Recent polls indicate Democrat Adam Hamilton is slightly leading, with only three weeks until Election Day. Marshall, a physician, has been in a GOP-held seat since 1919, marking the longest such tenure for any party.
In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Marshall, referring to him as one of his “favorite Senators.” Midterm elections are often seen as a gauge of the political climate facing the ruling party, with the president’s party historically losing seats. Currently, Republicans have a narrow majority in both the House and Senate. Trump secured Kansas by a wide margin over Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, emphasizing the state’s Republican preference. Despite this, Democrats have a presence, with Laura Kelly serving as governor, while Republicans control both U.S. Senate seats.
Tyson Brody, Hamilton’s campaign spokesman, commented on Trump’s announcement, stating, “Washington is panicking over desperate, failing politician Roger Marshall. They’re investing millions to shift focus away from Marshall’s record of supporting the war in Iran, cutting healthcare, and increasing prices on essentials.” Brody further criticized Marshall for his alleged history of legal action against pregnant mothers over minor medical debts and voting against the release of Epstein files.
In his new post, Trump defended Marshall, describing him as a wonderful individual who received a “bum rap” for pursuing debts owed by patients. Trump claimed that if Marshall didn’t pursue these debts, he would face legal consequences.
Earlier this month, The Cook Political Report adjusted the race’s rating from Lean Republican to a Toss-Up, adding pressure on Republicans. Cook noted that Hamilton’s campaign gained strength, drawing attention to an attack ad criticizing Marshall’s billing practices. Marshall labeled these ads as “lies.” In the meantime, Marshall called Hamilton a “radical Democrat,” accusing him of aligning closely with the Democratic Party.
Trump also criticized Hamilton, stating, “He loves high taxes, open borders” and would not want Hamilton as his pastor. Hamilton serves as pastor at the Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist Church in the country, which he founded in 1990. Trump claimed that Hamilton caused discord within his church, highlighting turmoil and division allegedly initiated by Hamilton.
Trump accused Hamilton of mishandling allegations related to a church camp counselor, described as a “child predator.” Hamilton’s campaign refuted these claims, stating there was “no attempt at a cover-up.” Hamilton emphasized the effort to correct any past errors, saying, “If we got anything wrong, we wanted to get it right.” Trump concluded his post by expressing strong support for Marshall and announcing a forthcoming rally in Kansas.
Polling Insights
Recent polls show Hamilton either slightly ahead or in a tie with Marshall. Polymarket prediction site placed Marshall at 63% and Hamilton at 38%. A YouGov poll showed Hamilton with 48% versus Marshall’s 45%. In this poll, 1% supported someone else, 5% were undecided, and 1% would not vote. Conducted among 2,255 likely voters, it had a 3.2% margin of error.
The Trafalgar Group poll indicated Hamilton at 44.4%, Marshall at 43.5%, with 2% for Libertarian candidate David C. Graham, and 10.1% undecided. This poll surveyed 1,095 likely voters with a 2.9% margin of error.
A poll by The New York Times and Siena University showed Marshall at 47% and Hamilton at 46%. Conducted among 605 likely voters, it had a 4.6% margin of error.
Marshall’s 2020 Cookie Bill
Recently, Marshall addressed a lingering 2020 invoice from a cookie vendor on social media. He stated, “We have absolutely no idea how this happened, but as soon as we became aware, we immediately contacted the business to apologize and repaid the bill from 2020, double.” The post included a screenshot of the payment to “Holly’s Sweet Treats, LLC” for $1,300.
For more analysis on U.S. politics and the 2026 midterms, subscribe to Newsweek’s Midterms Monitor newsletter. Newsweek used its AI assistant, Martyn, in producing this story.
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