CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Political candidates are often grilled about their personal relationships and whether or not they are single. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, for example, claimed to have a girlfriend when pressed on the matter. But does it make a difference to voters?
In a recent interview, Scott was asked about potentially becoming the first bachelor president, but he responded by saying he does have a significant other.
Scott's friends, however, told the Washington Post they haven't met this girlfriend.
Political experts said, as a Republican, these things do matter.
Scott's campaign revolves around his personal story, character and faith. Because of this, voters said they expect him to be a family man.
A look at past candidates shows having a partner may boost any presidential hopeful's chances at winning an election.
In U.S. history, only two presidents have ever been unmarried when they took office: Grover Cleveland, who married two years into his term, and James Buchanan.
Both dealt with major criticism.
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