As election season intensifies, political campaigns in several U.S. states are grappling with candidates' past controversies and voter behavior trends. In Minnesota, personal indiscretions and past statements have become focal points in competitive legislative races, where a lack of thorough vetting has allowed damaging revelations to surface. This trend is mirrored in New Jersey, where the legacy of political scandals, such as Bob Menendez's conviction, is influencing voter perceptions and campaign strategies. Meanwhile, a study highlights 'down-ballot roll-off' as a significant issue for Democrats, where voters often fail to complete their ballots beyond top-ticket races, potentially affecting legislative control in battleground states. These dynamics underscore the challenges political parties face in managing candidate reputations and voter turnout during critical elections.