Harassment allegations roil 2018 House field

Both Democrats and Republicans are bracing for a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that could roil key races and inject further uncertainty into the battle for the House in 2018.

Allegations leveled against incumbent lawmakers and challengers have already upended several must-win races for Democrats.

Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev.) highlighted that uncertainty when he announced on Saturday that he wouldn’t seek reelection amid sexual harassment charges, opening up a swing seat in a district that Hillary Clinton won by 5 points in 2016.

Sexual misconduct allegations have also shaken up Democratic primaries in competitive GOP-held seats. Businesswoman Andrea Ramsey, who was considered a top recruit, dropped out of the race against Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.). And state Sen. Daylin Leach said he’s “taking a step back” from his campaign to unseat Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.).

Both parties expect that future allegations that could upend other critical House and Senate races next year.

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/365524-harassment-allegations-roil-2018-house-field