AGP Executive Report

Early Voting: Kansas ballots are coming in faster than in 2022, with a recent analysis reporting a 69% statewide increase. In Johnson County, 92,646 voters had cast ballots by Saturday—19.4% of registered voters—well ahead of the same point in 2022, though below 2024’s pace. Senate Race: Democrat Adam Hamilton campaigned in Holton, saying voters are focused on affordability and bringing people together. Kansas Democrats are also touring the state to hear voters’ concerns as Election Day approaches. Chiefs Stadium Deal: Kansas and Wyandotte County settled their dispute, clearing a path for the proposed stadium. The state authority will own the stadium and lease it to the Chiefs; local officials retain control over nearby development and utilities. Campaign Stakes: Rising fuel, grocery and farm costs are adding pressure in Kansas and other Midwestern states, where closely watched Senate, House and governor’s races could reshape the political map.

Election Watch: Kansas early voting has more than doubled compared with the same point in 2022, as voters head toward a Nov. 3 election featuring a closely watched Senate race. Democrat Adam Hamilton and Republican Sen. Roger Marshall clashed in their final debate, while national polling and turnout trends have put Republicans on alert. Chiefs Stadium Deal: Kansas and Wyandotte County settled their dispute over the planned $3 billion stadium, clearing the way for the county to dismiss its lawsuit. The agreement preserves local authority over planning and zoning around the site; the state will own the stadium and parking areas. Attorney General Race: Republican Kris Kobach and Democrat Chris Mann sparred over immigration enforcement and a plea deal offered to a former county prosecutor accused of soliciting nude images. Mann criticized Kobach’s office for dropping more serious allegations; Kobach defended his record.

Kansas Senate Race: Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton are locked in a closely watched contest, with debates spotlighting Trump, tariffs, immigration and AI regulation. Kansas has seen a sharp rise in early voting, and a new court ruling upheld the state’s mail-ballot signature verification law. Election Accountability: A former state employee is suing Senate President Ty Masterson and two Republican lawmakers, alleging they pushed for her firing over a social media post. Chiefs Stadium: Kansas and Wyandotte County officials settled their dispute over the proposed stadium, clearing the way for the project to move forward while preserving local authority over surrounding development. Farm Aid: The $8 billion in diesel assistance Trump announced at a Kansas rally is expected to arrive after the Nov. 3 election, with payment details still being worked out. Topeka Jobs: Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling visited a Topeka manufacturer with Marshall and Rep. Derek Schmidt to discuss workforce training and manufacturing growth.

Kansas Senate Race: Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton clashed in their final debate over Trump, fuel prices, tariffs, immigration and AI regulation as the tight race draws national attention. Marshall’s campaign has also attacked Hamilton over his church’s handling of past abuse allegations; Hamilton denies a cover-up and calls the ads false. Election Watch: Lyon County advance voting turnout topped 8% near the end of its first full week, with candidates urging Kansans to vote ahead of Nov. 3. Rural Investment: Kansas awarded $12.9 million in broadband grants for projects across 44 rural counties, with local and private matching funds bringing the total investment to about $27 million. The state also opened a $2 million grant program for drone operations beyond visual line of sight. Farm Costs: The Trump administration says its promised $8 billion in farmer diesel aid will arrive after the election, while high fuel prices continue to weigh on Kansas producers.

Senate Showdown: Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton clashed in their final debate over Trump, immigration, AI and fuel prices as the close Kansas race draws national attention. Vice President JD Vance is due in Topeka to rally for Marshall, while early voting is underway statewide. Kansas Campaigns: The governor and attorney general contests are also in focus, with candidates debating crime, immigration and state priorities ahead of Nov. 3. Wichita Investment: Trump says Bombardier will invest $270 million in the U.S., creating jobs in Kansas and two other states. The claim follows the company’s announcement of a $50 million Wichita investment; Bombardier has not confirmed the larger figure. School Funding: Wichita voters will decide on a $615 million school bond for building upgrades, renovations and career training programs.

Senate Showdown: Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton clashed in their final debate before Election Day, sparring over Trump, immigration, Iran, fuel prices and AI in a race that could help decide Senate control. Ethics Scrutiny: Campaign-finance watchdog End Citizens United asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate Marshall, alleging taxpayer-funded travel and staff work that benefited his campaign; Marshall has not responded in the report. Governor’s Race: Republican Ty Masterson and Democrat Cindy Holscher are battling over taxes, education and affordability, with Trump backing Masterson. State Investment: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $12.9 million in broadband grants for projects serving 44 rural Kansas counties, matched by nearly $14 million in local and private investment. Court Ruling: The Tenth Circuit rejected the federal government’s bid to restart the six-month detention period for an Iranian man who was detained again after release. Local Development: El Dorado will hold a Nov. 2 hearing on a proposed housing incentive district at Greens at Prairie Trails.

Senate Showdown: In their final debate before Nov. 3, Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton clashed over fuel costs, the Iran war and tariffs. Marshall blamed high diesel prices on Russia’s war in Ukraine; Hamilton said the Iran war was driving costs. The unexpectedly tight race could help decide control of the Senate. Turnout Watch: Kansas early voting has more than doubled compared with the same point in 2022, part of a broader surge in several states with pivotal Senate contests. Topeka Ballot Measure: After the City Council approved a March special election on a sales tax for affordable housing and homelessness services, Topeka Jump says it is preparing a campaign for the measure. Governor’s Race: President Trump reaffirmed his endorsement of Ty Masterson and criticized Democrat Cindy Holscher as the Kansas contest heads into its final stretch.

Kansas Senate Race: President Donald Trump rallied for Sen. Roger Marshall in the Wichita area, attacking Democrat Adam Hamilton and using an antisemitic slur that drew condemnation. The race remains unusually close, with Kansas among the few Senate contests where Democrats are outspending Republicans on ads. Governor’s Contest: Trump renewed his endorsement of Republican Ty Masterson and called Democrat Cindy Holscher a “radical lunatic”; Holscher said Kansans need answers on issues, not name-calling. Campaign Climate: Kansas political ads are leaning on familiar faces and attacks as candidates compete for voters’ trust. Lyon County reported advance-voting turnout above 7%, with more than 1,400 ballots cast. Topeka Government: City Manager Robert Perez has stepped down, and an interim manager has been named. Mayor Spencer Duncan said the resignation was not abrupt. Public Safety: A 24-year-old Clearwater man was arrested on federal charges after allegedly threatening to shoot Trump during the Kansas rally.

Topeka Government: City Manager Robert Perez has resigned effective immediately. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley will take over on Oct. 26 while the city searches for a permanent replacement. Kansas Senate Race: President Trump campaigned for Roger Marshall in Park City, defending the senator over lawsuits against patients with medical debt and attacking Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. The close race has drawn national attention. Farm Aid: Trump announced $8 billion in federal relief for farmers facing high diesel costs. Kansas farm advocates welcomed the help but said farmers need fair markets and lasting solutions, not repeated bailouts. State Legal Fight: Attorney General Kris Kobach has joined other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT poses risks to children and misleads parents. Lawrence Housing: City commissioners approved a pilot that will let nonprofits seek court approval to rehabilitate some abandoned, tax-delinquent homes as affordable housing.

Kansas Senate Race: President Donald Trump rallied in Park City for Republican Roger Marshall, whose race against Democrat Adam Hamilton has become unexpectedly competitive. Trump announced an $8 billion federal farm-relief plan and promised year-round E-15 gasoline if Marshall wins. He also invoked unrest in France to warn voters about Democrats and used an antisemitic slur while defending Marshall. Farm Relief: The USDA says one-time payments will be based on planted acres and crops, with rates due next month—fuel costs and the timing have put the proposal under election-season scrutiny. Threat Investigation: A Clearwater man was arrested and charged after allegedly threatening to shoot Trump at the rally and claiming he had mapped rooftops near the venue. House Race: In Kansas’ 2nd District, Democrat Don Coover is drawing more attention as ratings shift the contest from “safe” to “likely” Republican for incumbent Derek Schmidt. Voting: Advance voting is underway in Kansas ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.

Kansas Senate: President Donald Trump rallied in Park City for Republican Roger Marshall, whose race against Democrat Adam Hamilton is now rated a toss-up. Trump attacked Hamilton and used an antisemitic slur while defending Marshall over lawsuits against former patients. A Reuters/Ipsos poll puts Trump’s approval at a record-low 31%, with Democrats leading Republicans 47% to 35% in congressional preference. Farm Relief: At the rally, Trump announced $8 billion in one-time payments to farmers facing high diesel costs during harvest. Farmers’ financial strain is adding to GOP concerns about turnout. Governor’s Race: Trump renewed his endorsement of Republican Ty Masterson and attacked Democratic rival Cindy Holscher, who said she is focused on families struggling with costs. Public Safety: A Clearwater man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to shoot Trump before the visit. A Johnson County software executive was sentenced to 19 years for a scheme that led insurers to pay more than $450 million in fraudulent medical-equipment claims.

Senate Battleground: President Donald Trump promoted Sen. Roger Marshall’s reelection campaign Monday, attacking Democrat Adam Hamilton as Trump headed to a Wichita-area rally. The race is now rated a toss-up, drawing national attention in a state Republicans have long dominated. Farm Economy: Kansas farmers say diesel prices are more than $2.50 a gallon above last year, squeezing harvest-season finances alongside rising costs and uncertain markets. The strain is testing Republican support as Trump campaigns for Marshall. Election Season: Hundreds gathered outside the Kansas Capitol Saturday for a rally urging people to vote early and criticizing the Trump administration. Early voting also began Monday at some Salina locations.

Kansas Senate Race: President Trump promoted Sen. Roger Marshall on social media Monday, attacked challenger Adam Hamilton and hinted at a Kansas rally. The candidates also campaigned in Topeka as scrutiny continues over Marshall’s request for $4.2 million for a water project that could benefit his ranch. Voting Opens: Early in-person voting starts Monday at select locations ahead of Nov. 3. Kansans will choose a governor and lawmakers and vote on a constitutional amendment stating that only citizens may vote—a rule already in state law. Wichita Tragedy: A pickup drove through a youth soccer match, killing a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man and injuring 10 others. Police released the driver as they investigate; no charges have been filed. State Policy: Kansas plans deep cuts to at-risk-youth funding, drawing warnings from Sedgwick County leaders. The attorney general has also sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT poses risks to children.

Senate Race: President Donald Trump promoted Sen. Roger Marshall’s reelection bid, attacked Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton and hinted at a Kansas rally as early voting continues. A separate “No Kings” rally at the Topeka Capitol urged voters to cast ballots early. Public Funding: Kansas officials set boundaries for the sales-tax district that will help finance the proposed Chiefs stadium and related development in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. Child Safety: Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT endangers children and misleads parents. Federal Fraud: A Kansas CEO was sentenced to 19 years in prison for a telemedicine scheme that defrauded Medicare and other programs of more than $1 billion. Wichita Tragedy: Two people, including a six-year-old boy, were killed and 11 injured when a pickup drove onto a youth soccer field. Police have not established why it happened or announced charges.

Wichita Tragedy: A pickup truck drove onto a youth soccer field Saturday, killing a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man and injuring 11 others. The driver is in custody as police investigate what happened. Election 2026: Hundreds rallied at the Kansas Capitol to urge early voting ahead of Nov. 3. The closely watched Senate race between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton is rated a toss-up, and President Trump is scheduled to campaign for Marshall in Wichita Monday. Voting Rules: A federal appeals court revived Kansas’ ban on private groups partially filling out voters’ mail-ballot applications. State Legal Fight: Attorney General Kris Kobach has joined a lawsuit accusing OpenAI’s ChatGPT of harming children and misleading parents. Military: Kansas Adjutant General Michael Venerdi is retiring after 35 years of service.

Senate Race: A new poll puts Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton neck and neck, while Hamilton raised $9.9 million last quarter to Marshall’s $866,000. President Trump is due in Park City Monday to campaign for Marshall. Voting: Lyon County reported more than 1,000 advance ballots cast. A federal appeals court also allowed Kansas to enforce its ban on prefilled mail-ballot applications, while transgender Kansans say mismatched IDs could complicate voting. AI Oversight: Kansas joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT harmed young users and the company misrepresented its safety protections. Voter Priorities: A rural voter survey finds cost of living, health care expenses and access to medical care rank among voters’ top concerns.