House GOP scandals expand Democrats' 2026 map
Four scandal-plagued House Republicans whose seats should be gimmes for the GOP have instead turned their races into unexpected battlegrounds. Why it matters: These aren't districts you'd expect to be in play — Donald Trump carried all four comfortably in 2024. But the incumbents' ethical troubles are making Republicans spend time and money defending the seats — in a cycle where neither party has…
Four House Republicans, once considered safe seats for the GOP, have become unexpected battlegrounds due to ethical scandals surrounding their candidates. Despite Donald Trump's overwhelming victories in these districts during the 2024 election, these individuals' personal and professional transgressions have thrust their races into the national spotlight.
Chuck Edwards of North Carolina resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The race now remains open, with Republicans scrambling to find a replacement in less than three months. Max Miller of Ohio faces assault allegations against his ex-wife and child, while he denies the claims. Even Trump expressed doubts about Miller's chances of winning his district, which he carried by 11 points in 2024.
Cory Mills of Florida is under investigation for domestic abuse, financial misconduct, and claims of "stolen valor," all of which he denies. Trump won Mills' district by 13 points in 2024, but he is currently facing a tough primary challenge. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Mike Haridopolos are also involved in contentious primary races, with Haridopolos endorsing a challenger named Ryan Elijah.
Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee had his phone seized by the FBI as part of an investigation into his campaign finances. While the Justice Department dropped the case after Trump's return to office in 2024, the investigation has left Ogles politically vulnerable. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, backed by Democrats, has a significant fundraising advantage over Ogles.
Democratic leaders have firmly backed Democrat Bale Dalton as their candidate in Ogles' district. Viet Shelton, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, confidently projected that all four districts are in play, noting that voters are furious over rising costs and broken promises. GOP operatives express concern that these scandals may force these candidates to withdraw from the race, complicating the GOP's efforts to maintain control of these historically Republican districts.
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