Rep. John Conyers to resign after sexual misconduct allegations

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) has announced that he will retire from the House of Representatives.

The announcement comes after it was revealed that he paid a settlement to a former staffer after she alleged that he fired her because she turned down his sexual advances. Another woman who worked for Conyers has alleged that he groped her in a church.

Conyers told a Michigan radio show Tuesday, “I am retiring today,” adding, “I am in the process of putting together my retirement plans. I will have more on that soon.”

Despite the settlement, Conyers has denied the allegations.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called on Conyers to retire. At her weekly news conference, Pelosi said, “It’s very sad and the brave women who came forward are owed justice. I will pray for Congressman Conyers and his family, and wish them well. However, Congressman Conyers should resign.”

She also noted, “No matter how great a legacy there’s no license to harass or discriminate. In fact, it makes it even more disappointing.”

Other Democratic members have also called on Conyers to resign.

The announcement comes as the Republican Party is reaffirming its commitment to Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who is accused of molesting a young girl and harassing several other women when they were teenagers.

Donald Trump explicitly endorsed Moore, and reportedly instructed the Republican Party’s campaign arm to put money into his race against Democrat Doug Jones.

Moore’s campaign also received support from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who backed off an earlier statement that he would not seat Moore if he won his race.

Both parties will continue to be under extreme scrutiny to assess how they respond to serious allegations of sexual misconduct and impropriety.