House Democrats Open Inquiry After Incoming Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment

Committee launches investigation

Julie Merz, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Friday that the group had hired an independent firm to examine the allegation. The firm will conduct interviews and collect information, she said.

The committee is the House Democratic campaign arm. Merz said it would provide further comment once the investigation is complete.

Allegation remains unclear

The allegation emerged late in the campaign against Poindexter, a Democrat elected to Congress last week. His campaign called the woman a volunteer, while an advocacy group for people affected by sexual misconduct described her as a junior campaign staffer.

Campaign responds to claim

Poindexter’s campaign said he made a remark to a volunteer that he believed was an innocuous compliment. The statement did not provide further details about the allegation.