The Nebraska Democratic Party is demanding that U.S. Senate candidate Chris Janicek drop out of the race following a reported sexual harassment complaint.
The NDP is asking that Janicek, who won the Democratic Primary on May 12th, decline the nomination and drop out of the race. Janicek is slated to challenge Republican Senator Ben Sasse in November.
In a Tuesday morning press release, the NDP claims Janicek made “sexually inappropriate” comments about a staff member during a group text among the Janicek campaign. According to the release, the Janicek staff member, who has since quit the campaign, sent a copy of the text message last week to the party and filed a formal complaint with the NDP on Monday afternoon.
"In a meeting last Thursday, NDP Statewide Officers demanded that Janicek decline the Democratic Senate nomination. This would require a form to be filed by Janicek with the Nebraska Secretary of State in order for his name to be removed from the November ballot. The party has the ability to replace his name on the ballot for the November 3 election if he resigns and completes paperwork with the Secretary of State."
The NDP says Janicek informed them that he would not withdraw on Monday, the deadline that was agreed upon by party leaders and Janicek during the meeting last week.
Monday evening, the NDP’s State Executive Committee (SEC) met and voted unanimously to withdraw all party resources from the Chris Janicek campaign. No SEC Member supported Janicek staying in the race.
“Our Democratic Party has no tolerance for sexual harassment,” said NDP Chair Jane Kleeb. “Our Party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct and doesn’t treat men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve.”