Recent Political Indictments in the United States: A Partisan Breakdown and Historical Context
ST. LOUIS, MO (STL.News) Political Indictments – In 2025, political scandals continue to dominate headlines across the United States. Several politicians at the local, state, and federal levels have faced indictments ranging from fraud and obstruction to bribery and even more disturbing allegations. These cases have fueled debate about political corruption, accountability, and whether misconduct is concentrated in one political party.
While recent indictments involve members from both major parties, most of the high-profile cases in 2025 have involved Democratic officials, though Republicans have not been immune. This article examines recent cases, outlines partisan trends, and explores the broader implications for public trust in government.
Political Indictments – High-Profile Democratic Indictments in 2025
LaToya Cantrell – Mayor of New Orleans (D)
Perhaps the most shocking indictment of the year came on August 15, 2025, when New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted on charges of fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction. Federal prosecutors allege that Cantrell misused public funds—more than $70,000—while attempting to conceal a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie.
The indictment also alleges that Cantrell used encrypted WhatsApp messages to obstruct investigations and deleted communications to conceal her activities. This marks the first time in New Orleans history that a sitting mayor has faced federal charges, intensifying an already heated political climate in Louisiana.
LaMonica McIver – U.S. Representative, New Jersey (D)
On June 10, 2025, U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) was indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts, including assaulting and impeding federal officers during a confrontation outside a New Jersey immigration detention facility.
The charges carry potential prison sentences of up to eight years, and the congresswoman has called the indictment “politically motivated.” Nevertheless, the case highlights how even sitting members of Congress are not immune to criminal charges.
Chris Flanagan – State Representative, Massachusetts (D)
In April 2025, Massachusetts State Representative Chris Flanagan was indicted on charges of wire fraud and falsification of records. Prosecutors claim he misappropriated around $36,000 from a trade association for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, credit card bills, campaign costs, and even psychic services.
Flanagan has pleaded not guilty, but the case underscores how financial misconduct at the state level can erode public trust as much as scandals in Washington.
Sheng Thao – Former Mayor of Oakland, California (D)
Earlier in January 2025, former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was indicted on federal bribery charges. According to prosecutors, she participated in a pay-to-play scheme that involved campaign ads and no-show jobs tied to city contracts.
Her case represents a broader issue of local corruption in major cities, where developers, contractors, and political figures often engage in questionable exchanges that test the limits of legal and ethical governance.
Political Indictments – Republican Indictments in 2025
RJ May – State Representative, South Carolina (R)
Republican RJ May, a rising conservative voice in South Carolina politics, was indicted on June 10, 2025, on 10 federal counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. He was arrested, denied bail, and ultimately resigned on August 11, 2025.
This case, while different in nature from financial corruption, represents a deeply disturbing breach of public trust. It highlights how serious criminal misconduct can devastate a political career regardless of party affiliation.
Political Indictments – Comparing Partisan Trends
The recent spate of indictments reveals that both parties face accountability issues; however, in 2025, the majority of cases garnering national headlines involve Democrats.
- Democrats (4 cases) — Cantrell, McIver, Flanagan, Thao
- Republicans (1 case): RJ May
This is not unusual when examined in historical context. Because Democrats currently dominate city governments and many state legislatures in blue states, more of their officials are naturally in positions where corruption investigations are likely to occur. Similarly, in Republican-dominated states, indictments have historically skewed toward GOP politicians.
Historical Context of Political Indictments
Political Indictments – American political history is full of examples of indicted politicians across both parties:
Democrats:
- Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL) —
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