Scandals Swirl Around Candidates Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections
A wave of sexual assault and corruption allegations has hit both Democratic and Republican candidates as the 2026 midterms approach.
In the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, a series of high-profile scandals has emerged on both sides of the aisle. Democrats saw their Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner drop out after a sexual assault allegation, prompting the party to nominate working-class Troy Jackson; earlier, California Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. Republicans are grappling with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was impeached by the state House in 2023 and is under a federal corruption investigation, alongside allegations against Florida Rep. Cory Mills, Ohio Rep. Max Miller, North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards, and Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales. The piece reflects on the 2006 midterms, when scandals contributed to a Democratic wave, and asks whether similar dynamics could influence this year's outcomes, especially given the current media environment and the prominence of President Donald Trump within the GOP.
Why it matters
Voter perceptions of candidate misconduct could sway the balance of power in Congress.
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