Can Scandals Influence Midterm Elections?

Going into the fall midterm season, political scandals are in the air in U.S. politics. Over the past few months, the public has been confronted with a series of high-profile scandals that have become challenges for both parties.

Democrats were forced to scramble in July after a sexual assault allegation brought down Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who was replaced by the working-class Troy Jackson. Although Platner denied the accusation and had already survived multiple controversies, including the discovery of an apparent Nazi tattoo and reports that he had sent sexually explicit messages to women other than his wife, the last round of allegations proved more than Democrats could tolerate. In April, California Rep. Eric Swalwell was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by several women. While denying the allegations, Swalwell resigned.

Going into the fall midterm season, political scandals are in the air in U.S. politics. Over the past few months, the public has been confronted with a series of high-profile scandals that have become challenges for both parties.

Democrats were forced to scramble in July after a sexual assault allegation brought down Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who was replaced by the working-class Troy Jackson. Although Platner denied the accusation and had already survived multiple controversies, including the discovery of an apparent Nazi tattoo and reports that he had sent sexually explicit messages to women other than his wife, the last round of allegations proved more than Democrats could tolerate. In April, California Rep. Eric Swalwell was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by several women. While denying the allegations, Swalwell resigned.