House Democrats are investigating Brian Poindexter, a Democrat elected last week to represent a congressional district in northeastern Ohio, after he faced an accusation of sexual harassment. In a statement on Friday, Julie Merz, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the organization had “hired an independent, third-party firm to investigate any instance of inappropriate behavior, conduct interviews and gather the facts.” Ms. Merz said the committee, which is the House Democratic campaign arm, would have more to say after the investigation was completed.
The investigation follows an allegation that surfaced late in the race from a woman Mr. Poindexter’s campaign described as a “volunteer.” An advocacy organization for victims of sexual misconduct described the woman as a “low-level campaign staffer.” Neither the organization nor the D.C.C.C. has specified the nature of the allegation, and the woman has not been identified. Poindexter defeated Representative Max Miller, a Republican whose ex-wife accused him of physically abusing her and their young daughter.
Miller denied the accusations, which were a focal point in the campaign. Asked about the allegation against Mr. Poindexter, his campaign said he “gave what he thought was an innocuous compliment to a volunteer.” Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
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