NBC News and Decision Desk HQ has projected that Democrat Adam Hamilton has defeated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas on Tuesday, ending a 94-year drought for Democrats in the state's U.S. Senate races and delivering a major pickup as the party works to narrow or overturn the Republican majority in the chamber.

Hamilton, a pastor who founded and leads the Church of the Resurrection, the country’s largest United Methodist congregation, led Marshall by roughly seven to nine points in early returns, around 52% to 45%, with the large majority of votes counted. Libertarian David Graham received a smaller share. The result marks the first Democratic Senate win in Kansas since 1932, breaking the longest current streak of one-party dominance in Senate races nationwide. Kansas had not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century, and President Donald Trump carried the state by 16 points in 2024.

Hamilton, 62, had never held public office and was registered as a Republican until earlier this year. He ran as a moderate, emphasizing affordability, the cost of living, and listening across party lines. He received endorsements from prominent Kansas Republicans, including former governors. Marshall, a former obstetrician seeking a second term, remained closely aligned with the Trump administration and defended the economy and tariffs. The race drew significant attention in the final weeks as voter concerns about rising prices, particularly fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, intensified.

The contest became the most expensive Senate race in Kansas history. Democrats committed roughly $65 million to television and digital advertising, while Republicans spent about $45 million, for a total of around $110 million, according to the advertising analytics firm AdImpact. Republican outside groups diverted resources to support Marshall as the race tightened, and Democratic groups responded in kind. Hamilton’s campaign also set fundraising records for a Democratic candidate in the state.

The victory reduces the Republican Senate majority, which stood at 53-47 entering the election. Control of the chamber remained undecided early Wednesday as other competitive races continued to be counted. Hamilton’s win is viewed as one of the cycle’s more surprising Democratic gains and strengthens the party’s position in its effort to win a Senate majority.

Official certification of the results is pending.