Kansas Senate Voting Record Analysis: What Public Roll-Call Votes Reveal About 2026 Candidates

Background on Kansas Senate 2026 Candidates and Their Public Voting Records

The 2026 Kansas Senate race features a field of candidates from multiple parties, each with a legislative history that can be examined through public roll-call votes. For researchers and campaigns, the Kansas Senate voting record provides a window into how candidates have positioned themselves on key issues during their time in office. This analysis focuses on what public records show, without speculation, and offers a framework for competitive research.

Among the candidates, incumbent Senator Roger Marshall (R) has a voting record dating back to his House service (2017-2021) and his Senate tenure (2021-present). His public roll-call votes cover tax reform, healthcare, agriculture policy, and judicial confirmations. Democratic challengers, including likely nominee Dr. Mark Holland, have local government records from the Kansas Senate (2005-2013) and as mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Holland's voting record includes education funding, Medicaid expansion, and criminal justice reform. Libertarian candidates, such as Steven Hohe, have no prior legislative voting record but may have public positions from advocacy work.

The Kansas Legislature's online archive allows anyone to search individual voting records by legislator, bill number, or session. This public data is the foundation for any competitive research. Campaigns that analyze these records can identify patterns, such as party-line votes, bipartisan coalitions, or absences on key legislation. For example, Marshall's voting record shows consistent support for the Republican platform on abortion restrictions, gun rights, and tax cuts, while Holland's record reflects a more progressive stance on social services and labor issues.

Party Context and Voting Patterns in the Kansas Senate Race

Kansas is a reliably Republican state at the federal level, having voted for the GOP presidential candidate in every election since 1968 except for 1992 and 2008. However, state-level races have seen Democratic wins, such as Governor Laura Kelly's victories in 2018 and 2022. The 2026 Senate race is rated as Likely Republican by most analysts, but the margin could narrow depending on candidate performance and national trends.

The party breakdown of candidates includes one Republican (Marshall), one Democrat (Holland), and one Libertarian (Hohe). Marshall's voting record aligns with the conservative wing of the GOP, with strong ratings from groups like the American Conservative Union. Holland's record is moderate-to-liberal, earning high marks from the American Civil Liberties Union and environmental groups. Hohe, as a Libertarian, has no voting record but has publicly advocated for limited government, non-interventionist foreign policy, and drug policy reform.

Public roll-call votes can be used to cross-reference candidate claims. For instance, a candidate who touts bipartisan cooperation may have a voting record showing frequent party-line votes. Researchers would compare a candidate's stated positions with their actual votes on similar legislation. This is particularly relevant in primaries, where challengers may attack incumbents for votes that deviate from party orthodoxy.

Competitive Research Framing: How Campaigns Use Voting Records

Campaigns on both sides of the aisle can use voting records to prepare for attacks or to identify vulnerabilities. A Republican opponent might highlight Holland's vote against a tax cut bill or for a criminal justice reform that included reduced sentencing. A Democratic opponent could point to Marshall's votes against the Affordable Care Act or against the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.

Source-backed profile signals are critical. Public records from the Kansas Legislature are considered reliable, but researchers must verify that the vote in question matches the bill's final language. For example, a vote on a procedural motion may not reflect the candidate's substantive position. Campaigns would examine the full context, including committee actions and amendments, before using a vote in an ad.

OppIntell's research methodology involves aggregating all public roll-call votes for each candidate, categorizing them by issue area, and comparing them to party averages and opponent positions. This allows campaigns to see patterns that may not be evident from a single vote. For instance, a candidate may have voted against a popular bill but supported a similar one later, indicating a nuanced position rather than opposition on principle.

Source Posture and Data Reliability for Kansas Voting Records

The primary sources for Kansas Senate voting records are the Kansas Legislature's official website and the U.S. Congress's public database. State legislative records go back decades, while federal records are available from 1990 onward. For candidates without legislative experience, researchers rely on public statements, interviews, and positions taken in prior campaigns.

Data reliability is high for roll-call votes, but researchers must be aware of limitations. Votes may be on non-substantive resolutions, or a candidate may have been absent due to illness or military service. Campaigns would note the attendance rate and reasons for absences. For example, Marshall's military service as a U.S. Army Reserve officer may have caused some missed votes, which could be presented as a positive (service) or a negative (absenteeism).

OppIntell's platform tracks these nuances, allowing campaigns to filter votes by type, date, and issue. This enables a more accurate picture of a candidate's record. For the 2026 Kansas Senate race, the combination of state and federal records provides a comprehensive dataset for competitive research.

Comparative Analysis: Marshall vs. Holland Voting Records

Comparing the voting records of Roger Marshall and Mark Holland reveals clear differences. On economic issues, Marshall voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, while Holland supported a state-level tax increase on high-income earners in 2010. On healthcare, Marshall voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act multiple times, while Holland co-sponsored a Medicaid expansion bill in 2011. On social issues, Marshall supported a 20-week abortion ban, while Holland voted against a similar measure.

These contrasts are likely to be central to campaign messaging. Marshall may portray Holland as a tax-and-spend liberal, while Holland may paint Marshall as out of touch with Kansans who need healthcare access. Independent voters may look for votes on agriculture, education, and infrastructure, where both candidates have records that could appeal to moderates.

How OppIntell Helps Campaigns Prepare for Voting Record Attacks

OppIntell's platform allows campaigns to upload their own candidate's voting record and compare it to opponents' records in real time. This helps identify potential attack lines before they appear in paid media or debate prep. For example, a campaign can see if an opponent has voted against a popular bill that the candidate supported, and prepare a defense or counterattack.

The platform also tracks how voting records are used by outside groups, such as Super PACs and non-profits, which may run ads based on public records. By monitoring these groups, campaigns can anticipate messaging and respond proactively. For the Kansas Senate race, this could mean preparing for ads that highlight Marshall's votes on ethanol subsidies or Holland's votes on gun control.

FAQ

What is a Kansas Senate voting record?

A Kansas Senate voting record is a public log of how a candidate voted on legislation during their time in the Kansas State Senate or U.S. Senate. These records are available on the Kansas Legislature and Congress websites.

How can I access a candidate's voting record?

You can access voting records through the Kansas Legislature's website for state legislators and Congress.gov for federal legislators. OppIntell also aggregates these records for easy comparison.

Are voting records reliable for predicting candidate behavior?

Voting records are a strong indicator of a candidate's policy priorities and alliances, but they may not capture every nuance. Context such as bill amendments and procedural votes should be considered.

Why do campaigns analyze voting records?

Campaigns use voting records to identify vulnerabilities, prepare for attacks, and highlight contrasts with opponents. They are a key component of competitive research.