Why It Matters
Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton debated Wednesday night less than two weeks before Election Day. Marshall is seeking a second term, while Hamilton is seeking to become the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1932.
What Happened
The debate covered the candidates’ relationships with President Donald Trump, artificial intelligence, sports eligibility and questions involving Marshall’s former medical practice.
Trump campaigned for Marshall in Kansas earlier in the week. Marshall said he had disagreed with Trump multiple times, citing immigration enforcement in southwest Kansas and Trump’s approach to beef imports. He also urged Trump voters to support his reelection bid.
“And President Trump is not always right,” Marshall said.
Marshall and Hamilton agreed there are two genders. Hamilton said athletic eligibility should generally be decided locally and opposed biological males competing against females. Marshall supported boys competing in boys sports and girls competing in girls sports by high school.
Hamilton described artificial intelligence as a possible threat to humanity and called for increased federal oversight. “This is an existential — potential existential threat to the human race,” he said. Hamilton did not specify which federal regulations he would support.
Marshall favored a limited federal approach focused on national security, transparency, protecting children and privacy. He opposed a one-size-fits-all global order for artificial-intelligence development.
Marshall also faced questions about a former medical practice that sued more than 700 patients over unpaid bills. The practice had 300 employees and gave between $3 million and $4 million to charity annually.
Hamilton acknowledged that he should have ensured a church summer-camp volunteer did not return after an initial investigation into sexual-abuse allegations.
By the Numbers
October 23, 2026 — publication date
Wednesday night — debate timing
Second term — Marshall’s reelection goal
Since 1932 — last Kansas Democratic U.S. Senate election
More than 700 patients — sued by Marshall’s former medical practice
$3 to $4 million — annual charitable giving by the former practice
300 employees — staffing at the former practice
5,000 — births Marshall said he delivered
12-year-old — age of Hamilton’s granddaughter
Zoom Out
The debate placed national questions about presidential support and artificial-intelligence regulation alongside state-level issues involving school athletics and the candidates’ records. It also gave voters a direct comparison between Hamilton’s call for broader federal oversight and Marshall’s preference for narrower federal involvement.
What’s Next
Marshall and Hamilton will continue their campaigns ahead of Election Day. Marshall is seeking another Senate term, while Hamilton is pursuing a Democratic breakthrough in Kansas.