KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With eight days until Election Day, the battle for a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas is reaching a record-breaking milestone, with tens of millions of dollars pouring into a race that has become one of the most expensive political contests in state history.
But as Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton fight for voters’ attention, some Kansans say they’ve had enough of it.
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“I’m just tired of the negativity of all of them,” Kansas voter Doug Friedel said.
The Marshall-Hamilton race is now the most expensive U.S. Senate contest in Kansas history, with combined campaign spending on track to top $70 million.
Television advertising accounts for a significant share of that spending, flooding screens with competing messages as the candidates make their final push before Election Day.
For some voters, the ads are doing little to change their minds.
“I pretty much have my mind made up already, so they don’t influence me very much,” Friedel said
Others say the increasingly aggressive advertisements are drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
“I thought it was kind of crazy because earlier I saw this one commercial against Adam, and it was like, ‘God will get him,’” Kansas voter Brooklyn Jay Tharpee said. “I was like, oh, that’s a little harsh.”
Another voter said the negative tone has become a major frustration, adding that the ads focus too heavily on attacking opponents instead of explaining what the candidates would do if elected.
“I am very disappointed that the ads have gone against the opponents,” one voter said. “I wish the ads would have said what the candidates are for.”
Do millions in political ads actually work?
With spending climbing to unprecedented levels, the question is whether the constant barrage of commercials is persuading voters or simply wearing them out.
Some voters say the ads reinforce decisions they have already made after researching the candidates.
“I tried to do the research, so I think it reinforced probably more than made the decision for me,” one voter said.
Others question whether the commercials address the issues that matter most to Kansans.
“Because I thought they didn’t address real issues,” another voter said. “Just trying to fire up people’s emotions.”
The spending has also prompted questions about whether millions of dollars could be put to better use, particularly as families face financial pressures.
“I’m very disappointed because I think that money could be spent elsewhere,” one voter said.
The political advertising isn’t confined to television. Voters say the messages follow them online and even when they travel.
One Kansan said the outreach became particularly frustrating during a recent three-week trip to Switzerland.
“The other thing I will say is I just came back from three weeks in Switzerland, and I got contacted by offices while I was over in Switzerland. That is ridiculous,” the voter said.
With the Senate race drawing national attention and millions of dollars fueling the final stretch, both campaigns are making their case to voters. Whether the spending translates into votes remains to be seen.
How to vote in Kansas
Early voting is underway across Kansas and continues through Monday, Nov. 2. Voters should check with their county election office for early voting locations and hours.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in Kansas, click here.
