The Texas House of Representatives has voted to expel Republican state representative, Ron Reynolds, following allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The move came after a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee, which conducted an investigation into the allegations.
Reynolds, who has been in the Texas House since 2011, was accused of having a consensual sexual relationship with a lobbyist in 2013, which violated the Texas House’s rules of conduct. He was also accused of repeatedly sexually harassing a female staffer and creating a hostile work environment for her.
In a statement following the vote, Reynolds said he was “disappointed” by the decision, but added that he was “grateful” for the opportunity to serve in the Texas House. He also denied the allegations against him, calling them “baseless” and “politically motivated.”
The vote to expel Reynolds was unanimous, with all 149 members of the House who were present voting in favor of his removal. The move comes amid a broader reckoning in Texas politics over sexual harassment and misconduct, which has led to the ouster of several high-profile lawmakers and officials in recent years.
Reynolds’ expulsion from the Texas House is a significant blow to the Republican Party in the state, which has been trying to hold onto its slim majority in the chamber. His seat will now be vacant, and a special election will be held to fill it.
The move is also likely to have political repercussions for Reynolds, who has been a vocal opponent of Democratic policies in the state. He is widely seen as a rising star in the Republican Party, and his expulsion from the Texas House could harm his political ambitions in the future.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the prevalence of sexual harassment and misconduct in politics and other industries, and there have been efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Texas House’s decision to expel Reynolds is a sign that lawmakers are taking these issues seriously and are willing to take action against those who engage in such behavior.