State Rep. Jeremy Durham is suspending his re-election campaign amid intense pressure from fellow lawmakers, following the release of a report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Franklin Republican announced his decision Thursday in a two-minute statement at his attorney’s office. Durham refused to take questions.
He says most allegations in the report from the Tennessee Attorney General are false, and those that are true have been taken out of context.
“I never engaged in any sexual contact with any of the individuals in the report. Nor did I attempt sexual contact with any individuals in the report.”
Investigators from the Attorney General’s office say 22 women told them they had experiences Durham that might be considered sexual harassment. They included inappropriate touching, late-night messages and sexually charged remarks. One woman says he gave her alcohol when she was still underage and had sex with her in his office.
Durham says, “My intentions were harmless, but my communication was less than professional.” He apologizes for that, but he also accuses House Speaker Beth Harwell of trying to drive him out of office since allegations of sexual harassment came to light late last year. He adds the investigation has been unfair.
Harwell says through a spokeswoman that Durham’s denials are an insult “to the brave women” who came forward. She adds he ought to make it absolutely clear that he is not seeking re-election. Durham’s name will still appear on the ballot during the Republican primary.
Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada, on the other hand, says Durham is “de facto giving up.” The race is close enough that by withdrawing his ads and stopping campaign activity, Durham is effectively conceding, Casada says.
“He’s doing the right thing,” says Casada.
New Sexual Harassment Policy Announced
Meanwhile, legislative leaders announced Thursday that they’ve adopted a new sexual harassment policy meant to prevent such situations in the future.
Harwell and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey say the policy modernizes previous guidelines and spells
out what constitutes workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation.
It calls for greater transparency, mandatory reporting and allows for complaints to be filed directly with the speakers of both chambers.
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