Dozens of state lawmakers nationwide have been accused of sexual harassment or misconduct since the beginning of 2017. Here are those in the Pacific Northwest running for re-election or another office since the allegations surfaced:
IDAHO
• Rep. James Holtzclaw, R, accused in a complaint of making inappropriate comments to at least two people during the 2017 session. He was the lone candidate to file for his seat and will be unopposed on the Nov. 6 ballot.
WASHINGTON
• Rep. Matt Manweller, R, resigned as assistant floor leader and was removed as ranking member of a House committee in December. Manweller also was placed on paid leave from his job as a political science professor at Central Washington University and barred from contacting past and present students while the university investigates allegations of sexual harassment against him. He was the lone Republican to run for his seat and will automatically advance to the Nov. 6 election.
• Rep. David Sawyer, D, suspended on May 9 from his position as chairman of the House Commerce and Gaming Committee pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct. House Democratic leaders say the investigator’s initial findings included a “pattern of actions toward House staff that created a hostile work environment.” Sawyer had been restricted from working with his staff in February. Media reported that eight women have accused Sawyer of inappropriate behavior toward them both before and after he first was elected as a lawmaker in 2012. He has filed for re-election and faces a challenger in the Aug. 7 primary.
