Hamilton had 52.1% of the vote to Marshall's 45%, with 94% of ballots counted, the Post reports. Those figures are unofficial.

Hamilton, a longtime megachurch pastor, recited Bible passages in his victory speech at a hotel in Overland Park, The Guardian reports. “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you,” he said.

Marshall, 66, has served in the Senate since 2021, The Guardian says. He had warned at a debate last month that “control of the Senate goes through Kansas,” the Post reports.

Marshall, an obstetrician, came under fire after The New York Times reported in September that he had sued about 700 of his patients over unpaid bills, the Post reports. The senator said the lawsuits were “out of our hands” after bills were sent to collection agencies, the Post says.

Soaring diesel prices in the farm-heavy state also helped bring Hamilton within reach of the incumbent in polls, the Post reports. The Cook Political Report rated the race a toss-up last month, and Trump made two stops in Kansas to campaign for Marshall, the Post says.

Kansas emerged as an unexpected battleground this year, The Guardian says.

Hamilton, 62, leads the largest United Methodist congregation in the country, the Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, The Guardian reports. He calls himself an independent-minded Democrat, the paper says.

The state's other Senate seat is held by Republican Jerry Moran, The Guardian reports.

What we know: Hamilton defeated Marshall, the first Democratic Senate win in Kansas since 1932.
What we don't: The final official vote count, which is still being tallied.