A series of sex scandals is causing significant upheaval within the Republican Party this September, diverting attention as the party aims to regain control of the White House and Congress.
While the full impact of these controversies on the GOP remains uncertain, they add unwanted distractions for former President Trump, Senate Republicans seeking a majority, and House Republicans aiming to strengthen their slim lead. With voters gearing up for the fall elections, these scandals have left many party members frustrated.
“If you’re going to enter this line of work, be ready to face intense scrutiny,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). “If you’re not, then shame on you. Think it through.”
Tillis has been particularly vocal about North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the GOP gubernatorial candidate who has come under fire following a CNN report detailing controversial statements he made over a decade ago on a site called “Nude Africa.” In those posts, Robinson referred to himself in derogatory terms and described inappropriate experiences from his youth. Following the revelations, he faced a wave of campaign staff resignations but has denied making the statements.
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Robinson’s candidacy is already seen as a long shot against Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein, and concerns are mounting that his troubles could hinder Trump’s chances in North Carolina, a crucial state for the Electoral College.
Another scandal surfaced closer to Capitol Hill, as The New York Times reported that Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) had placed his former mistress and his fiancée’s daughter on his district office payroll. D’Esposito quickly dismissed the report as a “partisan ‘hit piece,’” asserting that his personal life has never affected his work ethic. However, the timing of this controversy could have significant implications in a highly competitive House race against Democrat Laura Gillen, which is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
D’Esposito is not the only House member facing scrutiny. Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who is in the process of divorcing his wife, has been accused of infidelity.
Additionally, a new series of ads featuring Donald Trump’s sexual assault accusers detailing their disturbing encounters with the former president is set to air on networks popular with Trump supporters, such as Fox News and ESPN, as well as on streaming platforms targeting key swing state Pennsylvania. The accusers include journalist Natasha Stoynoff, Jessica Leeds, and magazine reporter E. Jean Carroll, highlighting the serious allegations against Trump in the lead-up to the election.
Republicans are increasingly frustrated by the repeated exposure of such scandals. “There’s less tolerance for this kind of behavior than there used to be,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). “We should be setting a better example, given our position of influence.”
Many Republicans are distancing themselves from the controversies.
Tillis announced he would not campaign alongside Robinson in the lead-up to the election. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) also withdrew support for Robinson, while the Republican Governors Association halted advertising in the state.
Some within the party attribute these revelations to election-season tactics, suggesting opponents may be using these stories to undermine their rivals. However, many Republicans on Capitol Hill are expressing embarrassment and frustration.
One anonymous House Republican voiced exasperation at the ongoing controversies, urging colleagues to “quit stepping on our d‑‑‑s.” Another member lamented the personal toll these issues take on families, expressing concern about the damage to marriages.
As the election season heats up, these scandals threaten to further erode support among women voters, complicating the GOP’s efforts to rally its base and secure electoral victories.
