For the first time since he entered the primary a year ago, Greitens’ grip on the Republican base has lifted — a slide in support in recent weeks attributed to new allegations of domestic violence raised by Greitens’ ex-wife.

Hartzler is now neck and neck with Greitens in the open seat race, according to multiple surveys conducted since Sheena Greitens filed court documents March 21 in a child custody dispute alleging her ex-husband abused her and their young son…

“This is a flashpoint. Now we’re talking about domestic violence,” said James Harris, a Republican political strategist in Missouri, referencing the allegations against Greitens. “Now we’re talking about abuse. That’s a different thing. We’re not talking about an affair now.”

Greitens’ fade in the polls is welcome news to some in the party. National GOP leaders have cautioned that a Greitens endorsement could cost the party a GOP-held Senate seat this fall, or more likely force them to spend heavily on a state Donald Trump won by more than 15 percentage points in 2020.