If Democrats were hoping for a quiet, disciplined run into the 2026 midterms, somebody apparently forgot to tell several of their candidates.
Across the country, a string of Democratic hopefuls is facing controversies involving personal conduct, strange associations, old comments, and allegations that would make most campaign managers reach for the aspirin.
Let’s start in Maine.
Democrats initially rallied around Graham Platner for Senate, despite reports about vulgar past comments, a controversial tattoo with an alleged Nazi association, and an allegation of sexual assault. Platner has faced scrutiny over those matters, and Democrats eventually moved on from his candidacy.
Enter Troy Jackson.
Jackson has faced reports about alleged anger problems and has also drawn attention over a long-term relationship with a second cousin. Reports have said the two have children together.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Susan Collins is running on experience and a long record representing Maine. Even some political opponents have publicly acknowledged her work for the state.
Then there is Texas, where Democrat James Talarico has become a magnet for criticism.
Talarico has been attacked over social media posts and educational material involving minors. Critics have alleged that he encouraged middle school students to read sexually explicit material and contact him after dark to discuss it. He has also faced criticism for campaigning alongside a surgeon who allegedly performed gender-related procedures on minors.
Republican Ken Paxton, meanwhile, is running as a Trump-aligned conservative with years of experience as Texas attorney general.
Texas Democrat Bobby Pulido has also faced controversy. Republican groups have accused Pulido of allegedly downplaying child molestation and of knowingly bringing a convicted sex offender onto school property. Those claims have become campaign ammunition for Republicans supporting Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
California Democrat Randy Villegas has faced a similar storm. Republican organizations allege that Villegas knowingly hired a convicted sex offender to work in a school setting. Villegas has been pressed publicly about the hiring, while Republicans are backing Rep. David Valadao.
And the list keeps going.
Arizona Democrat JoAnna Mendoza has drawn questions over reports about a 16-day marriage in Syria. Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has been criticized over reports that money connected to her college activities helped support an event described as a “Fetish Ball.”
Iowa Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott has faced attention for officiating a wedding involving a Satanist couple. New Jersey Democrat Adam Hawamy has been criticized over alleged connections involving individuals tied to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing case.
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has been hit over past comments about abolishing ICE and reducing police funding. Republican Mike Rogers is running on his national security background, support for law enforcement, and experience in Congress.
North Carolina offers another sharp contrast.
Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has faced continued criticism over his COVID-era restrictions and decisions involving the release of inmates during the pandemic. Republicans are backing Michael Whatley, who has spent years working with President Donald Trump and promoting the America First agenda.
In Iowa, Republicans Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks are pointing to their records in Congress as they seek to hold their seats.
Now, none of this means every allegation is proven, but politically, the timing is brutal.
Midterm campaigns are supposed to be about inflation, immigration, crime, taxes, schools, and the economy. Instead, Democrats in several races are being forced to answer questions about cousins, sex offenders, controversial weddings, social media posts, and alleged ties that most candidates would rather not see in a television ad.
Republicans are clearly hoping voters compare that mess with candidates they are presenting as more experienced and conventional.
The Democrats wanted a midterm message.
Instead, in several races, they may first have to explain the candidate.