Amid allegations of sexual harassment, Oregon state Sen. Jeff Kruse has officially resigned. After he originally refused to step down, he had agreed to stay off Capitol grounds until a formal hearing was convened on the matter. A report found that there was “a longstanding pattern of Senator Kruse engaging in unwelcome physical contact toward females in the workplace.”
The press release from Kruse is below.
For civil rights to be meaningful, there must be civil rights for all people, including the right to fundamental fairness for persons accused of harassment.
In recent weeks there have been allegations that I harassed female colleagues while talking to them in public areas of the Senate. I continue to deny these allegations and I regret that I will not have the opportunity to defend myself before the Senate Conduct Committee. However, today I tender my resignation so my colleagues may focus on serving Oregonians without distraction and my constituents may receive the fullest representation they are due.
Serving the people of Curry and portions of Coos, Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties for the past 22 years has been the greatest honor of my life. I have been proud to serve alongside my colleagues in the Oregon House and Senate, and I am very proud of my accomplishments in healthcare and education. I look forward to returning to the wonderful community that has supported me for over two decades.