Mike Zabel, a state legislator from Pennsylvania, announced his resignation on Wednesday, citing a desire to "focus on my family and my health." A colleague state representative, who is one of the three women making harassment claims, claimed that Zabel grabbed her inappropriately.
Republican politician Abby Major claimed that she and Zabel were in a bar together in November of last year when Zabel groped her, made advances, and "was being a creep." Major said that Zabel followed her to her car when she was "obviously inebriated," which made her ask a coworker to accompany her.
Zabel is the most recent Democrat to be accused of sexual misconduct. Diego Hernandez, a former Oregon Democratic congressman, resigned in 2021 after being accused of coercive sexual harassment. Despite the support of some of his colleagues, Hernandez promptly announced his resignation, stating that he wanted to "focus on my health and family."
Concern was raised about Zabel's drinking by his former campaign manager, who was also one of the people who complained about the Pennsylvania lawmaker.
In response to the accusations, Zabel commented, "My disease has resulted in some behavior that I regret, and I agree that extra help is necessary for me to fully heal.
After a lobbyist claimed Zabel abused her four years ago, the Pennsylvania House recently modified its rules to let non-employees to submit sexual harassment complaints.
