Nebraska state senator Dan McKeon announced his resignation from the Nebraska Legislature on October 3, 2023, ahead of a scheduled debate regarding his potential expulsion. This decision follows allegations that he made a sexually charged comment and inappropriately touched a legislative staffer during a party in May 2022. McKeon, a Republican who represented rural south-central Nebraska, expressed regret for his actions in a tearful address on the legislative floor.
His resignation came just minutes before the Executive Board was set to discuss a motion for his expulsion. “My words and actions were careless, regardless of the intent,” McKeon stated, acknowledging the impact of his behavior. His emotional apology marked a significant shift from his previously defiant stance regarding the accusations.
The controversy began when a staff member, working for another lawmaker, reported that McKeon had made inappropriate comments at a party on May 29, 2022. The woman alleged that McKeon told her she should “get laid” during her vacation and subsequently patted her on the buttocks. In response, McKeon claimed he intended to make a harmless joke, suggesting she and her spouse should “go to Hawaii and enjoy a Hawaiian lei.” He maintained that any physical contact was unintentional.
Escalating Concerns Over Legislative Conduct
McKeon’s resignation reflects a growing concern about sexual harassment in state legislatures across the United States, including Nebraska. Only 15 months prior, the Nebraska Legislature faced turmoil when former senator Steve Halloran read a graphic account of rape during a session, naming a fellow lawmaker and sparking outrage. An investigation found Halloran had violated workplace harassment policies, leading to a letter of reprimand from the Executive Board. Critics argued that Halloran should have faced a formal censure vote.
In McKeon’s case, the Executive Board took a stronger stance. An investigation revealed a pattern of inappropriate comments during his tenure. The investigator noted that McKeon had disregarded a directive from the Executive Board’s chairman not to attend events where staff members would be present, choosing to go to another party where the staffer involved was in attendance.
Additionally, a text message from McKeon to another staffer, describing the complainant as “difficult to work with,” raised concerns of potential retaliation. Although the investigation concluded that McKeon’s actions did not meet the threshold for sexual harassment under state or federal law, they were found to violate the Nebraska Legislature’s workplace harassment policy.
Consequences and Broader Implications
McKeon’s resignation makes him at least the 57th state lawmaker in the United States to resign or be expelled due to sexual misconduct allegations since 2017. In addition to his resignation, McKeon faces a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace stemming from the Nebraska State Patrol’s investigation into his interactions with staff last May. He has pleaded not guilty to this charge.
The fallout from McKeon’s resignation highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding legislative conduct and the need for accountability within state governments. As lawmakers grapple with issues of inappropriate behavior, the Nebraska Legislature’s response to McKeon’s actions may set a precedent for addressing similar allegations in the future.
