Democrat explores challenge to Marshall in 2026
June 18, 2025
TOPEKA, Kan. — A former Biden administration official announced Saturday she is exploring a Democratic challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, criticizing the incumbent for what she called excessive deference to President Donald Trump.
Christy Davis, a fifth-generation Kansan from Cottonwood Falls, made the announcement at a protest rally on the south steps of the Kansas Statehouse. She served as a White House appointee for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development during the Biden administration.
Criticism of Marshall's Record
Davis accused Marshall of failing to adequately represent Kansas interests while focusing on supporting Trump's agenda.
"Instead of representing us and checking the power of the tyrant in the White House, he's trying to flatter him," Davis told several hundred protesters gathered for the "No Kings" rally.
She criticized the Trump administration's education and agricultural policies, saying they threaten Kansas schools and farmers.
Marshall, an obstetrician-gynecologist, entered politics in 2016 by defeating incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Huelskamp in a primary before winning the 1st Congressional District seat. He won his Senate seat in 2020, defeating Democrat Barbara Bollier after Sen. Pat Roberts announced his retirement.
Marshall's Response
On Saturday, Marshall appeared in a Newsmax interview celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and offered birthday wishes to Trump.
"It's been just the honor of a lifetime to work beside him to make America great again," Marshall said in the interview.
Previous Political Experience
Davis previously sought federal office in 2020, losing in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District to Kali Barnett. Republican Tracey Mann ultimately won that seat.
Her exploratory announcement comes as Democrats face significant challenges in Kansas, where Republicans hold all federal congressional seats and control the state legislature.
Independent Governor Candidate
Also at Saturday's rally, Devon Welcher of Topeka announced plans to run for governor as an independent candidate in 2026.
"Kansas is in trouble," Welcher said in an interview, describing herself as "the real deal" with "enthusiasm, and grace, and I am charismatic."
The 2026 Senate race will mark Marshall's first re-election campaign since winning the seat. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since the 1930s.
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