Kansas just elected a Democrat. His message to Washington? Be decent

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Machine Gods Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics Adam Hamilton on Kansas Senate win and bridging political divides The Methodist pastor who flipped a Republican Senate seat says voters want more than political change. He tells NPR what he heard from Kansans about decency, faith and finding common ground. National Kansas just elected a Democrat. His message to Washington? Be decent Updated November 4, 20261:33 PM ET Originally published November 4, 202611:08 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition By 

Democratic Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton at an election night gathering Tuesday in Overland Park, Kansas. Austin Johnson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Elections Adam Hamilton becomes the first Democratic senator from Kansas in nearly a century Elections Mike Johnson will step aside as top House Republican next Congress Adam Hamilton made history by becoming the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1932. But the Methodist pastor says voters were looking for more than a change in party.

Speaking with NPR's Michel Martin on Morning Edition, Hamilton said rising costs, tariffs and the war in Iran helped drive his victory. He also heard something else: Americans are "sick and tired of the hyperpolarization in Washington."

Hamilton recalled meeting a Republican who said he had voted in 46 elections without ever supporting a Democrat — until Hamilton.

Following Up Whatever happened to kindness? Spoiler alert: Our readers prove it's alive and well The voter told him Washington had become cruel and indecent.

In Greensburg, Kansas, a woman asked Hamilton to help Americans stop hating one another. She described family relationships fractured by politics.

"I really want you to help us remember that we're fellow human beings," Hamilton recalled her saying.

Hamilton, who was registered as a Republican until earlier this year, said Democrats should reach more religious voters and work across party lines.

He hopes to develop a close relationship with Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran.

"I want to be his best friend in Washington," Hamilton said, describing his ambition to show that Republicans and Democrats can work together.

Listen to the full interview by clicking the blue button above. 

The digital story was edited by Treye Green.

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