Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-Nev., announced Saturday that he will not seek re-election after multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual impropriety.
While he repeated his denial of the allegations, the freshman congressman said that they would detract from his ability to focus on the issues during a re-election campaign.
“I want to state clearly again that I deny the allegations in question,” Kihuen said in a statement. “I am committed to fully cooperating with the House Ethics Committee and look forward to clearing my name.”
“Therefore, it is in the best interests of my family and my constituents to complete my term in Congress and not seek re-election,” he added.
On Friday, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into accusations of sexual harassment against Kihuen.
The Nevada Independent reported that a fourth woman came out with accusations Saturday that Kihuen unwanted advances toward her, and 15 minutes after denying the allegations it was revealed that the congressman would not seek re-election.
Some of Kihuen’s Democratic colleagues, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, had called on him to resign amid the controversy.
Other lawmakers have announced their resignations in recent weeks due to allegations of sexual misconduct facing them, including Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., Reps. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Trent Franks, R-Ariz. Meanwhile Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold, a Republican, will not seek re-election next year and plans to finish out the remainder of his term.
