Several Democrats running for the 2020 nomination called on Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax to resign after he was accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman Friday.
Sens. Cory Booker, N.J., Kirsten Gillbrand, N.Y., and Elizabeth Warren, Mass., along with former Rep. John Delaney, Md., and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro called on Fairfax, a fellow Democrat, to resign in the wake of the allegations.
“It is no longer appropriate for him to serve,” Booker tweeted.
The multiple detailed allegations against the Lt. Gov. of Virginia are deeply troubling. They are serious, credible, and corroborated by others. It is no longer appropriate for him to serve. He should resign.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 8, 2019
My statement below on Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax: pic.twitter.com/chu4oSdnbh
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) February 8, 2019
These credible and troubling allegations from Dr. Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson make it clear that Lt. Gov Fairfax should resign. My heart goes out to these brave women and their families.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 8, 2019
Just got the first 2020 candidate to weigh in on Fairfax. Per a spox, @JohnKDelaney says “If I was a Virginian, I’d want some special elections”
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) February 8, 2019
Last Friday I called on Gov. Northam to resign immediately. Two days ago I stated that I believe the claim regarding Lt. Governor Fairfax. Tonight, I call on both of them to step aside and allow the great state of Virginia to heal and move forward.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) February 9, 2019
Meredith Watson, the second woman accusing Fairfax of misconduct, alleged he raped her in 2000 when they were students at Duke University. The two were friends but not romantically involved, a lawyer for Watson said.
Fairfax dismissed her allegations but requested an investigation into her claims.
“Such an investigation will confirm my account because I am telling the truth,” Fairfax said in a statement. “I will clear my good name, and I have nothing to hide.”
Fairfax has also denied allegations from Vanessa Tyson, who accused him earlier this week of forcing her to perform oral sex while they were kissing in his hotel room at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.
The allegations surfaced after a racist photo from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook emerged last week. Northam has also faced calls to step down but has so far resisted. Fairfax would be next in line to lead the state but now faces the possibility of impeachment.
Virginia Del. Patrick Hope is drafting articles of impeachment against Fairfax, according to CNN. He plans to file them Monday unless Fairfax resigns before then.
