The 24 Candidates for 2018 Sunk by #MeToo Allegations
In the 10 months since allegations of sexual misconduct were first leveled against the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, America has seen the reputational demise of dozens of public figures. But arguably the most significant repercussions have been in the world of politics, affecting those with the power or potential to shape the country’s laws and represent communities across the nation.
The #MeToo movement is already having profound effects on the current election cycle, and not just at the national level: According to an analysis by The Atlantic, at least 24 candidates for office in 2018 have ended their campaigns or bids for reelection after allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct.
Their ranks include 11 Republicans and 13 Democrats, first-time candidates and seasoned incumbents alike. Eight were running high-profile campaigns for positions at the federal level, while 16 were state-level candidates.
What follows is a list of these 24 candidates—all of whom could have served or continued serving in some of the highest offices in the land. More than a dozen additional politicians are listed too, including those who face allegations and remain in office, and those who aren’t up for reelection until at least 2020.
This tally—which lists the most recent allegations first—is not comprehensive. It is based on a review of local and national news reports, and the earliest claims are from October, shortly after The New York Times published its blockbuster report on Weinstein and the #MeToo movement began.
It’s also important to note that these are only allegations. They have not been independently substantiated by The Atlantic, and have only in some instances been investigated by law enforcement or relevant ethics committees. We’ll be updating the tally as any additional cases emerge.
Former Representative Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania 7th, Republican
Allegation: The New York Times reported on January 20 that Meehan used thousands of taxpayer dollars to settle a sexual-harassment claim brought by a female former staffer in 2017. She alleged that he grew hostile after she rejected his romantic advances.
Response: John Elizandro, Meehan’s communications director, issued a statement saying that the congressman “denies these allegations” and “has always treated his colleagues, male and female, with the utmost respect and professionalism.”
Status: On January 25, Meehan announced that he would not seek reelection. But he abruptly resigned on April 27 amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into his alleged conduct, and said that he would pay back the funds used for the settlement.
Next election would have been: 2018
Former Representative Trent Franks, Arizona 8th, Republican
Allegation: The House Ethics Committee announced on December 7 that it would investigate sexual-harassment allegations made against Franks.
Response: Franks immediately announced in a statement that he would resign from Congress by January 31. He acknowledged that he had made staffers “uncomfortable” and that he had discussed fertility issues and surrogacy with two female staffers. He denied having ever “physically intimidated, coerced, or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff.”
Status: On December 8, Franks abruptly resigned, citing his wife’s health, just as the Associated Press reported that Franks allegedly offered $5 million to a female employee to be a surrogate for him and his wife. According to a Politico report from the same day, women on Franks’s staff believed he wanted to have sex as a means to impregnate them. Franks denied the allegations.
Next election would have been: 2018
Former Representative Blake Farenthold, Texas 27th, Republican
Allegation: On December 1, Politico reported that Farenthold had used $84,000 in taxpayer money to settle a sexual-harassment claim from a former female aide in 2014.
Response: In a statement to Politico, Farenthold said, “While I 100% support more transparency with respect to claims against members of Congress, I can neither confirm nor deny that settlement involved my office as the Congressional Accountability Act prohibits me from answering that question.”
Farenthold on April 6. He initially the $84,000 he used for the settlement, but later he wasn’t wrong to use the money.
