Republican Senator Roger Marshall is facing a lawsuit from a former patient as President Donald Trump prepares to campaign in Kansas ahead of a competitive Senate race.
Marshall, who previously worked as an obstetrician-gynecologist, was sued by Meischa Zimmerman this week. The lawsuit alleges that Marshall and his former medical practice, Heartland Regional OBGYN, charged illegally high interest rates on unpaid medical bills, including rates exceeding 15% per annum and often reaching 18%. It also claims the practice aggressively pursued collections, including filing lawsuits against patients.
Meanwhile, Trump reversed his earlier decision to cancel a campaign rally in Kansas, announcing he would hold an event in the state on Sunday. The rally comes as Marshall faces a tight reelection bid against Democratic opponent Adam Hamilton, a pastor. Recent polling shows Hamilton with a slight lead in a race that was once considered a Republican stronghold.
Marshall’s Senate Race Tightens Ahead of Trump Rally
The Senate race in Kansas has shifted in recent weeks, with the Cook Political Report moving the contest to its toss-up column. Hamilton, who has emphasized bipartisanship in his campaign, has gained ground in public polling, though neither candidate holds a clear advantage. Marshall, first elected to the Senate in 2020, has faced a more competitive race than expected, with some polls showing Hamilton leading by a narrow margin.
Trump’s decision to campaign in Kansas reflects the state’s emerging competitiveness in the midterm elections. Republicans initially suggested the rally would be held virtually, but the White House confirmed Trump would attend in person on Sunday. The event is expected to draw significant attention to the race, which has drawn national interest due to its potential impact on control of the U.S. Senate.
Lawsuit Details and Marshall’s Response
The lawsuit filed by Zimmerman accuses Marshall and Heartland Regional OBGYN of engaging in a long-standing practice of charging excessive interest on unpaid medical bills. The complaint states that the practice routinely billed patients at rates above 15% annually, with some cases reaching 18%. It also alleges that the practice aggressively pursued collections, including filing lawsuits against patients to recover unpaid balances.
Newsweek reached out to Marshall’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response. The lawsuit adds to the challenges Marshall faces as he seeks reelection in a state where Republicans have historically held an advantage. The outcome of the race could influence the balance of power in the Senate, where control remains a key issue in the midterm elections.
Trump Criticizes Hamilton’s Bipartisan Pitch
Trump has questioned Hamilton’s pledge to serve as a moderate voice in Congress, suggesting that Hamilton would align with Democratic leadership if elected. In a statement on Friday, Trump argued that Hamilton’s promises of bipartisanship were unlikely to hold, stating that Hamilton would ultimately vote for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The criticism underscores the high stakes of the race, as both parties vie for control of the Senate.
Hamilton has framed his campaign around issues such as healthcare, economic opportunity, and bipartisan collaboration. His campaign has sought to appeal to independent and moderate voters in a state that has historically favored Republicans but has shown recent signs of political fluidity. The race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the midterm elections, with national implications for the balance of power in Washington.