Idaho State Senator John McGee, a Republican from Caldwell, has resigned from the Idaho legislature.
Senate Republican leaders say the abrupt resignation comes after a sexual harassment allegation was brought forward by a female legislative staffer earlier this week. The woman involved is not a minor.
Senate President Brent Hill (R-Rexburg) says McGee has not admitted wrongdoing, but decided it was best to step down. McGee delivered his resignation letter to Governor C.L. Butch Otter this morning.
Here’s the statement from Senate President Brent Hill:
“Senator John McGee resigned today from the Idaho State Senate. Majority Leader Bart Davis and I informed Senator McGee of allegations against him of sexual harassment involved a Senate attaché. In light of these allegations, Senator McGee informed us he believed it was in the best interest of the senate, and for him, to resign from the Idaho State Senate. John McGee has submitted his letter of resignation today. On Saturday afternoon, Saturday February 18, the Majority leader and I were notified of confidential allegations of sexual harassment against John McGee. The Idaho Senate takes all allegations of sexual harassment very seriously. At our request, the Senate Secretary throughout Monday , investigated and counseled the attaché to report the claims of misconduct to me. Monday afternoon, the attaché together with the Majority Leader and secretary met with me to report the asserted misconduct. I immediately reassigned the attaché to another position in the Senate. In this situation, my first priority is to ensure the safe, secure and professional work environment of our Senate employees. My second priority is to protect the integrity and institution of the Idaho State Senate. The Senate attaché is currently on paid leave. In requesting confidentially for the woman involved, I ask that all parties respect her privacy. This is an extremely difficult time for her. Senator John McGee doesn’t admit any wrongdoing. I’ve requested the Attorney General’s office to further review the matter. We also express our compassion to John McGee’s family and most particularly his wife.”
McGee, a four-term legislator was first elected to the State Senate in 2004.
Last summer, McGee was arrested for a DUI and felony charge for taking a stranger’s car without permission and crashing it in a driveway in Meridian. Less than two weeks after his Father’s Day arrest, McGee plead guilty to misdemeanor DUI. He paid about $12,000 in damages.
McGee became Majority Caucus Chairman in 2011. He is also the chairman of the Canyon County GOP. He and his wife have two young children.
You can read John McGee’s resignation letter here.