Texas Republican Resigns Ahead Of Expulsion Vote

A Republican Texas lawmaker accused of sexual harassment resigned on Monday before facing an expulsion vote on Tuesday.

In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott (R), state Rep. Bryan Slaton resigned from office with no mention of the allegations.

“It has been an honor to represent my friends, neighbors and the great people and communities of House District 2,” the lawmaker wrote. “My decision today is to ensure that their expectations will continue to be met by a new representative who will also work hard on their behalf.”

Slaton is under investigation for sexual misconduct after a 21-year-old intern and two 19-year-old legislative aides accused the lawmaker of inappropriate behavior.

According to The Daily Caller, Slaton’s accusers allege that he repeatedly helped the underage staffers get alcohol, invited them over to his condo and frequently made phone calls to an aide, according to the committee report. One of them recalled getting “drunk” at his place and staying the night, where she “could not effectively consent to intercourse.”

“[Slaton] engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a subordinate,” GOP state Rep. Andrew Murr, the committee’s chair, previously said on the state House floor. “That behavior was induced by alcohol that Representative Slaton provided to that 19-year-old subordinate.”

Last month, Slaton’s attorney called the allegations “outrageous.”

“I look forward to spending more time with my young family, and will continue to find ways to serve my community and all citizens across our great state,” Slaton stated in the letter.

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