Democratic Senator-elect Adam Hamilton, who pulled off a historic victory in deep-red Kansas, warned his party Sunday that its midterm “blue wave” could be “one and done” if Democrats fail to deliver quickly for Americans struggling with the cost of living. Hamilton, a Methodist pastor who defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall, became the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1932.
His victory was one of the most dramatic results of Tuesday's midterms, coming in a state President Donald Trump carried by more than 16 points in 2024. Appearing on NBC News' Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, Hamilton argued Democrats should not interpret their sweeping midterm victories as an endorsement of the party itself. And then we've got to deliver,” Hamilton said.
Kansas had not elected a Democratic senator in 94 years, and Hamilton ousted an incumbent Republican in a state long considered reliably Republican before the race became competitive. Newsweek reached out to representatives for Hamilton, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic National Committee for comment on Sunday. Hamilton said Democrats' priority should instead be affordability, including energy costs and Trump's tariffs.
He also expressed little enthusiasm for a third impeachment of Trump. Hamilton had already staked out a similar position before his upset victory, telling voters that he was “not going to Washington to hold trials.” “I'm going to Washington to fight for the people of Kansas and make life better for them,” he said. The question has divided Democrats.
Some have supported investigating or impeaching Trump, while others have warned that doing so could overwhelm the party's economic agenda. Before the election, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to rule out impeachment and said Democrats would investigate potential wrongdoing. Since the election, Jeffries has emphasized affordability while maintaining that Democrats can also pursue accountability.
They want us to get things done on their behalf,” he said Wednesday on MS NOW's Morning Joe. And now it's our job to govern on affordability.” Asked about congressional oversight, he said Democrats should “follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution, let the chips fall where they may” while ensuring Congress “works to deliver for the American people at all times.” Hamilton's warning went beyond impeachment and investigations. He argued that Democrats should resist treating their midterm victories as evidence that voters have broadly embraced the party.
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