Kansas Senate candidates debate immigration, AI and transgender sports ahead of pivotal midterms

Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton faced off in a televised Kansas Senate debate on Wednesday, less than two weeks before the November election. The contest, which could determine the first Democratic Senate seat from the state since 1932, drew national attention as both parties vie for control of the Senate.

The debate opened with questions about personal controversies. Marshall defended his former medical practice after a New York Times report cited lawsuits from more than 700 patients, noting the business employed 300 staff and contributed several million dollars to charity each year. Hamilton acknowledged a mistake in handling a sexual-abuse allegation involving a volunteer at his church’s summer camp, saying, "I should have checked to make sure that he wasn't going back. That was a mistake on my part."

President Donald Trump’s recent campaign appearance for Marshall was highlighted with video footage. When asked if Trump’s endorsement required him to support the president’s agenda, Marshall replied that he had disagreed with Trump on multiple occasions, citing immigration enforcement in southwest Kansas and the administration’s stance on beef imports. He added, "Just like with my wife, I can disagree with her. My wife is always right, and President Trump is not always right."

Both candidates agreed that there are two genders, with Marshall stating he had delivered 5,000 newborns, roughly half boys and half girls, and Hamilton affirming, "There are two genders, male and female."

On transgender participation in women’s sports, Hamilton argued that biological males should not compete against females, referencing his 12-year-old granddaughter, while Marshall said high-school boys should play on boys’ teams and girls on girls’ teams, accusing national Democrats of promoting “transgender ideology.”

The discussion turned to artificial intelligence. Hamilton called AI an “existential threat” and urged the creation of a regulatory body similar to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, though he admitted he could not name specific regulations he would support. Marshall advocated a lighter regulatory approach focused on national security, transparency, child protection and privacy, criticizing a uniform global framework.

When questioned about border policy, Hamilton criticized the current administration’s approach, calling it a “disaster” and emphasizing his support for “strong and secure borders.” He also distanced himself from the Socialist Party, describing his political stance as centrist.

The debate underscored the high stakes of the Kansas race, with both candidates urging voters to turn out, as the outcome could influence Senate control.