California democrat Raul Bocanegra announced Monday that he would resign immediately from the state assembly following allegations of sexual harassment.
“Upon further reflection during the recent holiday weekend, and conversations with family, friends, supporters, I have decided to resign earlier from the State Assembly effective immediately, which was my original intention,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page. “By doing so I hope the community will have a new representative sooner rather than later.”
Bocanegra, the Democratic majority whip for California, had originally planned not to seek re-election, citing “persistent rumors and speculation” about his conduct toward at least six women.
The assemblyman denied the allegations in his statement Monday, saying, “While I am not guilty of any such crimes, I am admittedly not perfect.”
The Los Angeles Times reported in October that Bocanegra was disciplined for “inappropriate and unwelcome physical contact” with a female Capitol staffer in 2009. His resignation comes amid similar allegations against politicians across the country, including Michigan representative John Conyers and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.
