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Nebraska Sen. Dan McKeon Resigns Before Expulsion Debate Over Staffer Complaint

An outside investigation for the Legislature’s Executive Board found he violated workplace harassment rules without meeting the legal threshold for sexual harassment.

Overview

  • McKeon delivered a tearful floor apology and stepped down minutes before a scheduled debate on whether to expel him.
  • The Executive Board had unanimously advanced an expulsion resolution to the full chamber, which would have required 33 votes and marked a first for the body.
  • A legislative staffer alleged he told her to “get laid” and patted her on the buttocks at a May 29, 2025 party; McKeon and his attorney say it was a misunderstood joke and an accidental brush.
  • The investigator reported violations of the Legislature’s workplace harassment policy, noted a possible retaliatory text, and said McKeon ignored a directive to avoid staff events, while finding no actionable claim under discrimination law.
  • McKeon also faces a misdemeanor disturbing-the-peace charge tied to the incident and has pleaded not guilty, becoming at least the 57th state lawmaker to leave office since 2017 after sexual misconduct allegations.