Kansas Senator Clears Long-standing Campaign Debt Amid Scrutiny

WHO:

CNN - Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas

CNN - Holly Thomas, owner of Holly's Sweet Treats

WHAT:

Fox News - Sen. Roger Marshall paid off a six-year-old campaign debt of $678.75 to Holly's Sweet Treats.

CNN - Marshall posted a payment of $1,300 on social media, indicating he paid the original bill and more.

CNN - Thomas stated she will not vote for Marshall in the upcoming election due to the unpaid debt.

WHERE:

CNN - The debt was related to a purchase made for Marshall’s primary election watch party in Kansas.

WHEN:

CNN - The original debt was incurred in 2020.

CNN - Thomas made her social media post on a Friday, prior to the repayment.

WHY:

CNN - Thomas expressed her disappointment as a small business owner, emphasizing the importance of honoring financial commitments.

CNN - The repayment comes amid Marshall facing a competitive reelection race against Democrat Adam Hamilton.

HOW:

CNN - Marshall's campaign attempted to contact Thomas to apologize as soon as they became aware of the unpaid bill.

(UPDATED October 12, 2026 11:04 UTC)

Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas has settled a six-year-old campaign debt of $678.75 to Holly Thomas, the owner of Holly's Sweet Treats, which was incurred for a primary election watch party. Marshall posted a payment of $1,300 on social media, indicating he not only paid the original bill but also more, although Thomas has stated she will not vote for him in the upcoming election due to the delay in payment. Thomas expressed her disappointment as a small business owner, highlighting the importance of honoring financial commitments, while Marshall's campaign reached out to her to apologize once they became aware of the unpaid debt.