While results in the presidential race continue to be counted in several key states, major races in Kansas are largely crystal clear.
Here are five key points from Tuesday.
1. Marshall proves Kansas remains a red state
There was speculation that a projected close race between Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Democratic state Sen. Barbara Bollier would foretell Kansas beginning to turn from ruby red to purple.
That line of thinking appears to have been premature.
Marshall cruised to victory Tuesday night, notching a 14-point margin with all precincts reporting Wednesday morning.
And it comes despite polling as recently as late October showing the race within the margin of error, as well as a significant fundraising advantage for Bollier.
“Unless you really screw up, the Republican-ness of the state is likely to be a powerful influencer,” said Burdett Loomis, professor emeritus at the University of Kansas.
Marshall won all but a handful of counties, with Bollier proving victorious in the traditional Democratic bastions of Johnson and Wyandotte counties, as well as Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan.
Those polls that had Bollier within striking distance often also had a high number of undecided voters — who appeared to break for Marshall.
Marshall said the victory was buoyed by a message of hope in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. No problems for congressional candidates
While none of the state’s congressional seats was expected to change hands, Democrats held an outside hope that Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla could win in the 2nd Congressional District.
But when the dust settled, it was GOP State Treasurer Jake LaTurner with a comfortable 15-point victory over De La Isla following his ouster of incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Watkins in the primary.
De La Isla won her home of Shawnee County by only 4 points.
