Kihuen plans retirement amid sexual harassment claims

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-Nev., announced Saturday he won’t seek reelection next year amid multiple sexual harassment accusations against him. “It is in the best interests of my family and my constituents to complete my term in Congress and not seek reelection,” he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in a statement. The news comes a day after the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the first-term lawmaker’s conduct. Kihuen, 37, denies the accusations and said he looks forward to fully cooperating with investigators. Democratic lawmakers began asking Kihuen to step down after BuzzFeed News reported on Dec. 1 that a 25-year-old woman accused him of unwanted sexual advances. Since then, three more women have accused him of inappropriate behavior. A fourth woman told The Nevada Independent that Kihuen asked her uncomfortable questions that she interpreted as possible suggestions of sexual favors. Kihuen is the third Democrat to decide to leave Congress amid harassment claims this month. The House Ethics Committee opened investigations into Republican Reps. Blake Farenthold of Texas and Trent Franks of Arizona this month as well. Farenthold announced he would not seek reelection next year, and Franks resigned suddenly Dec. 8.