Arizona Democrat Steps Down Following Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

March 19, 2024 TruthUSA

A newly appointed Democrat in the Arizona House has resigned just over a month after taking the job following allegations of sexual misconduct from his time at George Washington University close to a decade ago.

The Arizona House Democrats posted a statement from their leadership on Tuesday announcing the resignation of Rep. Jevin Hodge.

“We have accepted Rep. Hodge’s resignation, which he offered in good faith and out of respect for our caucus, and we are prepared to move forward with the important business of the state,” House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras said.

Hodge was sworn in on Feb. 2, replacing Athena Salman, who had resigned in January. The Arizona Republic released details Monday of Hodge’s suspension from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. after a disciplinary panel ruled that he violated the school’s sexual misconduct policies in 2015.

Following the release of the article, Hodge posted his version of the events in question, stating: “When I was a 21-year-old college student, I had a consensual romantic encounter with another student. We both had consumed alcohol and we remained clothed the entire time. I knew then as I know now that consent is non-negotiable, so when she made it clear she was not interested in continuing, we stopped. She called a taxi, and I walked her out.”

On Tuesday, Hodge posted a follow-up which struck a slightly different tone.

“Today and every day, I take responsibility for my actions,” Hodge said in a statement announcing his resignation. “I apologize now, again, to those that may have been caused pain by my actions. As a leader, I must demand more of myself.

“Public service means knowing when to lead and it also means knowing when to step aside. As I said yesterday, I unequivocally deny the allegations made against me. However, now is not my time to lead.”

He added his work “on behalf of Arizona’s families to move Arizona forward has not changed. The work will not change — it will only have a different home.”