‘Choice in the election is clear’: How Trump stumped for Kansas GOP at Wichita-area rally

President Donald Trump is holding a “Kansas-style rally” today outside of Wichita to support Sen. Roger Marshall in his competitive reelection bid for the U.S. Senate.

The rally is at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, just outside Wichita. The arena is a privately owned property at 8151 N. Arena Drive north of Wichita near Interstate 135 and 77th Street North. The 5,000-seat arena has a capacity of 6,500 people.

Trump’s visit comes as Marshall is locked in a bitter campaign against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, pastor at the largest church in the state. The close race has put the Kansas Senate race in the national spotlight as a battleground state as Democrats look to potentially win the Senate.

Last month, Vice President JD Vance spoke at Webco Manufacturing to rally for Marshall and Senate President Ty Masterson, who is running for Kansas governor.

Journalists for the Wichita Eagle and Kansas City Star will be covering the rally. Follow along with our coverage below.

Live updates:

Follow updates from Wichita Eagle and Kansas City Star journalists who are covering President Trump’s visit to Wichita.

Trump urges Kansas to reelect Marshall

President Donald Trump on Monday urged Kansas voters to reelect U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall in a wide-ranging speech that largely attacked Democrats and faced opposition from several protesters.

Trump appeared at a rally supporting Marshall at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, a suburb of Wichita, as Republicans look to unite voters around the incumbent senator.

Protesters interrupted the speech on several occasions as Trump criticized a slew of Democratic candidates on the ballot this year, but the Trump-friendly crowd shouted over the protests.

“The choice in this election is clear. You can vote for the radical left, dumocrat, communists,” Trump said. “Or you can defeat the dumocrat communists.”

Read more from The Star’s Kacen Bayless.

President Trump’s speech ends

8:38 p.m. President Donald Trump’s speech ended after about one hour and 40 minutes.

Trump talks about Stryker tragedy

Trump took a moment to comment on the tragedy at Wichita’s Stryker sports complex that took place just two days before the rally — where two people, age 6 and 35, were killed and multiple others injured after a woman drove a truck through a soccer field during a game.

“We grieve for the beautiful lives that we lost,” Trump said during his speech, also saying that officials would get to the bottom of what led up to the tragedy.

‘I love Phil Ruffin’

President Trump gives a shoutout to Wichitan and billionaire businessman Phil Ruffin in the speech. Ruffin and Trump are longtime friends and have built hotels and casinos together. The Eagle’s Carrie Rengers recently spoke to Ruffin.

President Trump invites Roger Marshall to speak

8:22 p.m. After more than an hour-long speech, President Trump invited Sen. Roger Marshall to the stage to speak and asked the crowd to vote for him on Nov. 3.

People watching speech from outside

The Heartland Credit Union Arena reached capacity earlier in the evening, according to the fire marshal. There are screens outside and many groups are watching President Trump’s speech there.

Outside the arena, before Trump finished his talk, brothers Ron and Rex Hess stood and watched the big screen that showed the president speaking.

Ron said they arrived at the arena around 4 p.m., but just missed the cut to get inside.

They were among a crowd of close to 200 outside the arena.

“We were probably about 100 people away from getting in,” said Ron, who lives in Parsons.

The Hess brothers, though, didn’t seem disappointed at all.

“It’s still cool,” Ron said. “No, it’s not as good as being inside, but this is the man right here. We had to come see this.”

Rex said he grew up in Kansas with his bother, but that he now lives in Florida. That didn’t stop him from driving up to the rally.

“Trump stands for Christians, which I like,” Rex said. “I can’t think of anything he said tonight that I don’t like.”

Boeing, Bombardier mentioned by Trump

President Trump gave shoutouts to airplane manufacturers Boeing and Bombardier. Both companies are major parts of the Wichita economy.

Over Labor Day, Trump sent a threat to Canada’s largest aircraft manufacturer, which employs more than 1,200 workers at its U.S. headquarters in Wichita.

“NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” Trump posted to social media Monday afternoon.

Bombardier’s workforce in south-central Kansas is focused primarily on defense work, including preparing Canadian-manufactured planes for special mission purposes. Bombardier holds a multi-year contract with the U.S. Air Force valued at close to $465 million.

Trump’s post went on to say that the company lives “off American Buyers, American Companies, American Airports and American Service” but that if Bombardier wants “our Market, they must build here and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank.’”

The president’s threat comes as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on roughly 700 American products are set to kick in on Tuesday in response to the $20 billion of tariffs imposed by Washington.

In a statement to The Eagle, Bombardier said the company has 3,500 direct employees in the U.S and nearly 2,800 U.S.-based suppliers across 47 states. The company did not directly address questions about how its Wichita workforce could be affected by a potential effort to block U.S. sales.

Fact-check: Hamilton supports ‘flooding’ state with refugees

Kansas City Star journalists fact-check President Trump’s claims during his speech. Read more of them here.

Trump said Hamilton supports flooding the state with dangerous refugees.

“He supports flooding Kansas with unvetted refugees who go around killing people, literally for no reason,” Trump said.

Verdict: False.

Adam Hamilton has stated he’s not for open borders and that “dangerous criminals don’t belong here.”

Hamilton’s stated policy position is that he supports secure borders, ICE enforcement targeted at serious criminals, year-round agricultural visas and a pathway to citizenship for agricultural workers.

Third protester removed from Trump rally

From Matthew Kelly: A third protester has been escorted out of the rally. I caught up with him outside.

“I said, ‘Release the Epstein files, you spineless coward,’” said Jeffrey Doshier, a Kansas Army National Guard veteran who was born and raised in Wichita.

“I personally have been horrified by seeing what has happened to protesters at his rallies,” Doshier said. “The last few videos that have gone viral, you know, where women have been assaulted and they’ve been mocked and body shamed. So I just felt this moral obligation as a veteran who loves this country and served this country to hold our leaders accountable.”

Protesters seemingly haven’t been detained after being escorted out.

As Doshier was exiting, Trump asserted that he, too was a paid protester, suggesting that he and others were paid $250 to disrupt his remarks.

Protesters interrupt Trump early on in speech

7:30 p.m.: Multiple protesters have appeared to be removed from the arena during Trump’s speech, with one man removed after shouting “Vote for Hamilton,” the Democrat candidate running against Marshall. Much of Trump’s speech so far has surrounded his negative views on Hamilton.

7:06 p.m.: Early on, a protester’s interjection cut Trump off, prompting chants of “U.S.A.”

Trump says to get out and vote “so we can get rid of idiots like that.”

Trump said he could tell by the person’s voice that they were a paid protester.

“When they go home, mom and dad slap them around and say, ‘I voted for him.’”

Multiple people appear to be removed from the arena.

President Trump takes the stage

6:57 p.m. President Donald Trump takes the stage to the tunes of “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Trump’s opening line: “I love you, Kansas. But I’m here for a guy named Roger Marshall.”

President Trump’s motorcade arrives

6:36 p.m. The Eagle’s Travis Heying reports that President Trump’s motorcade is arriving at the Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City.

Trump posted a photo of him with Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) riding inside the presidential limo known colloquially as “The Beast” on the way to the arena.

Kobach, Marshall, Masterson and more speak at rally

Revving up the crowd ahead of President Trump’s appearance, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach predicted that this will be “one of the closest elections in our lifetimes.”

Kobach pointed out that more Democrats have advance voted than Republicans so far, according to data from the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall emerged on stage to strains of Johnny B. Goode, pumping his clenched fists in an apparent emulation of President Trump’s signature dance move.

One woman arrested for protesting

From Allison Campbell and Matthew Kelly: Roughly 80 protesters were in the designated free speech zone, waving signs and sporadically calling out Trump fans as they walked past.

“What’d you pay for gas today?” shouted Cathy Green of Wichita, who held a campaign sign for Marshall’s Democratic challenger, the Rev. Adam Hamilton.

“Adam Hamilton might not be a perfect Kansas candidate, but I think he’s our Kansas candidate of the moment,” Green said.

She said she was disgusted to learn that Marshall while working as an OB-GYN in rural Great Bend, sued more than 700 former patients over unpaid bills, leading 81 people to be arrested after missing court dates.

“He has a lack of compassion. A lack of empathy — towards women specifically,” Green said.

A 49-year-old woman in the group of protesters was arrested by Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies for refusing to stay on the grass in front of the parking lot.

In an email to The Eagle, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Braden Stitt said that she was arrested for “willfully failing or refusing to comply with any lawful order or direction of a police officer.”

Expect delays for presidential motorcade

Wichita police say drivers throughout Wichita should expect traffic delays as roads shut down Monday evening for the presidential motorcade.

The Wichita Police Department did not say exactly which roads would be closed. But it did say that WPD, the Kansas Highway Patrol and surrounding law enforcement agencies were closing multiple routes across the city.

Air Force One in Wichita airspace

South African man seeks audience with Trump or Marshall

From Chance Swaim: Fritz Groenewald, an Afrikaner whose family came to Garden City from South Africa on a work visa in 2024, made the nearly 4-hour drive to attend the Trump rally near Wichita. He said he was hoping to find an audience with Trump, someone in his administration or Sen. Roger Marshall about staying in the U.S.

Trump has been pushing for the U.S. to accept more immigrants from South Africa through an expedited pathway to refugee status for what he has dubiously claimed is a “white genocide” against Afrikaners in the region. Groenewald said the Trump administration is opening its arms to South African refugees but kicking him and other asylum seekers out of the U.S.

“All these people are being sent back, whilst thousands are coming in, because the USCIS and what the will of the president is are not lining up with each other,” Groenewald said.

He said his application for asylum was denied by an immigration judge, even though Trump declared in a 2025 executive order that Afrikaners face government-sponsored, racially motivated violence.

“So there’s a double standard or a contradiction that’s not being addressed,” Groenewald said. “So the president can clear this in the stroke of a pen or with one sentence in one of his speeches.”

Kansas AG Kris Kobach warms up the crowd

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach was the one of the first speakers at Monday’s rally. Kobach, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, touted how the president’s election has changed his role as the state’s attorney general.

“I didn’t have to wake up every morning and after breakfast thinking, ‘Now, how do I have to sue the president today?’” Kobach told the crowd.

Man said he ‘mapped out roofs’ to shoot Trump at Kansas rally, charge alleges

A Clearwater man is facing federal charges, accused of making threats on social media to shoot U.S. President Donald Trump under TV news posts about his political rally Monday in Park City.

Federal prosecutors say an Oct. 15 Crime Stoppers tip led authorities to investigate the Facebook posts from 24-year-old Jaden John Read and arrest him on Saturday.

“Political violence and threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said in a news release announcing the charges. “The first Amendment allows for robust disagreement but there are constraints. I caution people to stay within the bounds of constitutionally protected speech.”

Kriegshauser’s office said in the news release that Read made the threatening comments on Oct. 15 on Facebook posts from two local TV news stations, KAKE and KWCH, detailing Trump’s visit to the Wichita area.

Read more from The Eagle’s Amy Renee Leiker.

Protesters share why they protest

The Eagle’s Allison Campbell spoke with protesters ahead of the event.

Mercury Vasquez moved to Wichita while serving in the Air Force.

“I swore an oath to defend the Constitution from foreign and domestic enemies. Donald Trump is a domestic enemy. Roger Marshall is a domestic enemy,” Vasquez said. “So even though I’m out of the military now, I’m still defending the Constitution by exercising my right to protest.”

Protester Kristy Sourk is from Hutchinson, who said that Marshall had failed Kansas on every term.

“He is a liar, and that’s what this is about. Trump is just a stain in his diaper; he’s already got plenty of stains, but it’s just an additional stain,” Sourk said.

Daniel Zenner, from Wichita, was there to protest and to also support Adam Hamilton, who is the Democrat candidate running against Marshall.

“They’ve been really running their campaign very smart. They’re doing all the right things … if you can run a church that big, you can be in politics,” Zenner said.

“Every vote may not seem like it counts because there’s so many numbers and everything feels like it’s stacked against you, but regardless of what happens, you can always make your community better and focus on that.”

Decked in Trump gear

From David Hudnall: Many people in Trump gear, of course— hats and shirts and even gold Trump sneakers. Two gentlemen at the entrance for ADA and special guests were wearing “Ty’s the Guy” hats for Kansas Republican governor candidate Ty Masterson. Had not seen a piece of Roger Marshall apparel all day until just now. It has a picture of Marshall and says underneath “Kansas senate 2026.” Beneath that is a large logo for Kalshi, the prediction market app. The teenager wearing the shirt told me some guy had a box full of them and was giving them out for free further down the line. Alas, I could not find him.

4:30 p.m.: Thousands still in line

The Eagle’s Bryan Horwath reports thousands were still in line outside of Heartland Arena as of 4:30 p.m. Two food trucks in line were sold out of drinks and trash cans in line were overflowing.

Marshall: ‘Get out and vote’

From Kacen Bayless: Before the rally began, Marshall said in an interview that Trump supporters were vital to his reelection campaign.

“We don’t win this race unless President Trump’s voters get out and vote. That’s how close it is,” he said. “He’s got to present his case that he’s on the ticket.”

Three-time Trump voter travels from Topeka

From Kacen Bayless: Wendy Childers came from the Topeka area. Childers, who said she’s voted for Trump three times, wore a homemade “Trump Girl” hoodie.

“Not to be rude,” she said. “But I’ll never vote for a Democrat because they don’t have the same values as me. And Roger Marshall does.”

When asked what values she was referring to, Childers mentioned abortion, illegal immigration and transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Ted Nugent arrives with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach

Michigan rocker and Trump supporter Ted Nugent is set to appear at Trump’s rally Monday.

“Real all American roustabout shitkickers rocksolid in the asset column of the American Dream unite!” the 77-year-old Nugent posted on his Facebook page Monday.

Trump is rallying his base in Kansas as Marshall fights for reelection in a tight race with the Democratic candidate, Methodist minister Adam Hamilton.

In March 2024, Nugent performed and gave a keynote address at the Johnson County Republican Party’s “A Grand O’ Party” fundraiser in Overland Park.

It’s not known whether the singer, known to his fans as “Uncle Ted,” will perform Monday.

Who will get in?

The Eagle’s Bryan Horwath reports from the line outside the arena:

Karen Hay, 75, of Wichita was in a long line that twisted around a makeshift parking lot area outside the arena at 3:30.

“I doubt we’ll get in,” Hay said. “If we don’t, that’s alright. We’re here to show our support for President Trump.”

Linda Clark, 78, made the trip to Park City from her home in Missouri. She said she was pleased Trump decided to come to Wichita.

“When I heard he was coming to Kansas, I thought it would be in the Kansas City area,” Clark said.

Clark also wasn’t sure she would get into the arena, but she said she was happy to make the trip.

“I hope it’s a red wave all across America this election,” she said.

The traveling MAGA salesman

From David Hudnall: This place is packed. Nate (declined to give last name) who was selling merch (MAGA hats for $20 and black t-shirts with trump on the front saying fight fight fight or never surrender) said his mobile payment processor system was running slower than usual because of all the people / cell service. (My service is fine for the record).

Nate travels the country selling Trump merch at these events. He’s headed to Sioux Falls after today.

Nate said “I think part of the reason for the stronger turnout is because he hasn’t been here for years.”

“I’m not surprised by the size of the crowd. It’s been this way everywhere. It’s just like 2016. I had no question Trump would win. And remember no one thought he would. And it wasn’t just the crowds, it was the enthusiasm. The Media is always underestimating him.”

Marshall posing for photos

From Kacen Bayless: Republican supporters came from across the state for a chance to see the president. Tyler Tuttle traveled from Grainfield, a small city in western Kansas. He acknowledged that the race for Senate was “a lot tighter,” than expected.

He attributed the close race to concerns about fuel prices, among other issues. Still, he said he wanted to come support Trump and Marshall.

“Gotta keep voting red,” he said.

Trump leaves for Kansas

3 p.m. President Trump was seen departing Joint Base Andrews, the airfield home to Air Force One, and is on his way to Wichita.

Hundreds are waiting in line

2:12 p.m. Four hours before President Trump was to speak, hundreds of people lined up around Heartland Credit Union Arena waiting for the doors to open at 2:30 p.m., Bryan Horwath reports for The Eagle.

A stream of people crossed the overpass over I-135 from the supplementary parking lot at Gilley’s Park City Gambling Hall, 1500 E. 77th St. North. The rally-goers walked past protesters on Arena Drive, triggering some verbal confrontations.

The Star’s David Hudnall reports that it is unclear where the line starts and ends. There are dozens of rows snaking around the parking lot. I’ve heard several different answers about where the end of the line is. Nobody knows. People seem to just be making it up as they go.

There are no officials or anything directing anybody. He asked two horseback cops where the end of the line was. They didn’t even know. “It looks more like a square to me. They just told us to ride around and keep people safe.”

See inside the arena

Members of the media were permitted to enter the Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City just after 2 p.m. Inside they found a venue decked out in red, white and blue.

The arena typically seats 5,000 people, but can accommodate up to 6,500 when configured with full floor seating.

Supporters gather outside of arena

The line to enter Heartland Credit Union Arena is quite long. Merch is being sold in the area as well.

11:45 a.m. Parking spots at Heartland Credit Union Arena are “extremely limited,” the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office said. Attendees still planning to arrive are advised to park at Gilley’s Park City Gambling Hall and take the shuttle to the arena.

Attendees with a Special Guest Parking Pass and those who need ADA-accessible parking should use the attendee parking entrance at 85th Street North and Arena Drive.

11:10 a.m. The Wichita Police Department recommends leaving for evening commutes earlier than normal due to “the potential for significant delays across the city this afternoon and evening.” All major highways may experience traffic disruptions.

8 a.m. About 300 cars have lined up for the rally, hours before the doors are anticipated to open at 2:30 p.m. “Big crowds today in Kansas,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

About the U.S. Senate race in Kansas

The race for the U.S. Senate seat in Kansas is coming down to the wire. Recent polling shows Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton with a slight lead over Republican incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall in the reliably conservative state.

The New York Times reports that recent polling shows Hamilton, a middle-of-the-road Democrat, with a 1% to 3% lead over Marshall, with just weeks to go before Election Day. The Times’ own polling showed a tie. Polling that favors the Democratic candidate in a state that hasn’t elected a Senator from that party in nearly 100 years has led Republican President Donald Trump to plan his visit to Kansas.

Bob Beatty, a political scientist at Washburn University, said Trump’s visit was an example of “base strategy” to mobilize the state’s core Republican voters to vote for Marshall.

But whether Trump’s visit will help or hurt Marshall’s chances of reelection is a question worth pondering given the Republican president’s own slipping approval rating in a state that backed him with 57% of the vote just two years ago.

Beatty said Trump’s visit could have the opposite effect and invigorate the moderate Republicans who don’t support Trump to vote against Marshall. He said the upcoming event could be a chance for Hamilton to capitalize on Trump’s unpopularity instead.

This story was originally published October 19, 2026 at 1:14 PM with the headline “‘Choice in the election is clear’: How Trump stumped for Kansas GOP at Wichita-area rally.”