Can a sex scandal in Missouri cost the GOP the U.S. Senate?

Eric Greitens.
(Image credit: Illustrated | AP Images, iStock, Library of Congress)

The GOP has a Trump-shaped problem in Missouri — and it could cost the party a majority in the U.S. Senate.

Eric Greitens, the former Missouri governor, is leading his rivals for the Republican nomination for his state's open Senate seat. But he has a terribly sordid history, having resigned from office in 2018 amid allegations he'd had a coercive extramarital affair — and then blackmailed the woman with nude photos. Greitens claimed the affair was consensual, and criminal charges against him were dropped. The whole thing left a nasty impression with voters, though. A new Republican Party poll indicates he could well lose to the Democratic nominee in next fall's general election. That would be a stunning result in a solidly red state.

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Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.