U.S. Elections / Pastor Adam Hamilton becomes the first Democrat from Kansas elected to the U.S. Senate in nearly a hundred years

Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton won the race for the U.S. Senate in Kansas in a surprise victory that brought an end to a historic Republican stronghold. Kansas had not elected a Democratic senator since 1932 and had not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964.

The result was one of the most unexpected moments of election night, including for the Democrats who secured the victory. With Hamilton’s election, Kansas’s Republican tradition was interrupted after 94 years.

At 62, Adam Hamilton is the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, the largest congregation of the United Methodist Church in the United States, with approximately 22,000 members.

His campaign focused on reducing political polarization, promoting “civility,” and caring for the community. Hamilton also addressed economic issues, while supporting the need for secure borders but rejecting the militarization of the immigration agency ICE.

Former President Donald Trump attacked him, calling him a “perverted pastor” and a “woke pastor,” particularly because of his support for transgender rights. Hamilton called the statements “pathetic,” said he considered them an honor, and that he prays for Trump.