Rep. John Conyers
Congressman, 88, retires amid pressure after sexual harassment allegations, endorses son
of Michigan, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, resigns amid accusations of sexual harassment by several female employees.
WASHINGTON — Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, resigned Tuesday after his support among fellow Democrats collapsed amid accusations of sexual harassment by several female employees.
Conyers endorsed his son, John Conyers III, in a rambling radio interview with Detroit host Mildred Gaddis.
“I am retiring today, and I want everyone to know how much I appreciate the support, incredible undiminished support I’ve received,” Conyers said.
Conyers’ use of the word “retiring” rather than “resigning” left some uncertainty over when he was vacating the congressional seat he has held since 1965. Later in the day, however, he sent a letter to congressional leaders saying he was stepping down “effective today.”
Conyers’ replacement will be chosen in a special election.
The Detroit-area district is heavily Democratic, so Conyers’ departure should not affect the balance of power in the House. But it does set up a potential family fight: A great-nephew, state Sen. Ian Conyers, has publicly said he also intended to seek the seat.
The announcement by John Conyers came after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Congressional Black Caucus leader Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., and an increasing number of House members urged him to quit as former aides offered detailed accounts of inappropriate sexual advances he had made over decades.
A longtime civil rights activist, Conyers is the highest-profile political figure to be forced from office in the midst of a national debate over sexual harassment that began weeks ago with accusations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
Conyers has continued to deny any wrongdoing, although on Nov. 26, he agreed to step down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.