Nebraska legislator accused of sexual misconduct resigns before expulsion vote

Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon resigned from the Legislature on Tuesday, minutes before an expulsion vote was set to take place.

McKeon was facing expulsion proceedings after a legislative staffer accused him of making a sexually suggestive comment and touching her buttocks over her clothing at an end-of-session party last May. He had repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he patted the staffer on the back after making a joke.

On Tuesday, McKeon struck a conciliatory tone and became emotional as he announced his resignation. His resignation will take effect when the Legislature adjourns on Tuesday afternoon.

“I again offer my sincere apology,” he said before announcing his resignation. “My words and actions were careless, regardless of my intent. I accept my responsibility for the impact of my words and my actions. I regret the circumstances that have led to this process.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen will appoint a replacement for McKeon, who was elected to the Legislature in 2024 and represents all or part of Wheeler, Greeley, Boone, Valley, Sherman, Howard, Buffalo and Hall Counties. His departure is unlikely to change the partisan makeup of the officially nonpartisan Legislature.

Had the Legislature voted to expel McKeon, it would have been the first expulsion in state history. In a committee hearing held Monday, McKeon’s lawyer warned that expulsion would set a dangerous precedent.

McKeon is facing a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace in Lancaster County in connection with the incident. He has pleaded not guilty.

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