Politics
Parties navigate candidate scandals as midterm congressional margins remain tight
Both Republicans and Democrats show varying strategies in addressing misconduct allegations against candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
The short version
- Both major political parties are confronting a series of scandals and misconduct allegations involving midterm candidates without a standardized approach.
- Republicans have largely deferred to primary voters, while Democrats have pushed out some candidates over sexual assault allegations but delayed action in other races.
- A recent poll indicates voters across both parties show high tolerance for candidate controversies when control of Congress is at stake.
- The upcoming general elections will determine whether these candidate controversies affect party margins in critical congressional races.
Key facts
- Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills lost his reelection primary following allegations of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation, and a restraining order.[Politico]
- Republican leaders are quietly supporting Ohio Rep. Max Miller despite domestic abuse allegations involving his ex-wife and child.[Politico]
- Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine Senate race following reports of a sexual assault allegation after months of prior controversy.[Politico]
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) faces sexual misconduct allegations and an Ethics Committee investigation, but Democratic leadership has not called for his resignation.[Politico]
- A POLITICO Poll found voters generally tolerate controversies such as DUI convictions or exaggerated military service, though Democratic voters showed less tolerance for sexual assault and domestic violence claims than Republican voters.[Politico]