Democratic Rep. Diego Hernandez notified state officials by email Sunday evening that he will resign effective March 31. Monday, he changed that to March 15.
Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek said she believes the women and has from the beginning. The investigation report documents the experiences of women who have felt unsafe and feared retaliation from Representative Hernandez. This is serious and disturbing. I believed the women when they came forward last year and I believe them now, Kotek said. I m focused on doing everything I can to ensure the Capitol is a safe working environment and that people can do their work without the threat of harassment or retaliation.
The Oregon Education Association, among others, called for Hernandez to step down. In a statement, the association said: These abuses of power have made us lose our confidence in Rep. Hernandez and we believe that he can no longer effectively represent the members of his district.
Federal judge stops Hernandez bid to block expulsion vote
Oregon House has scheduled action on three-term Portland Democrat for Tuesday, Feb. 23
A federal judge has cleared the way for the Oregon House to vote on whether Rep. Diego Hernandez should be expelled on multiple violations of a legislative rule against sexual harassment.
Though Judge Ann Aiken turned aside state arguments that the U.S. District Court has no authority in the dispute, she also denied the request by the Portland Democrat for a temporary restraining order to block further proceedings against him.
The House is scheduled to take up the recommendation from its Committee on Conduct during a floor session scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 23. A two-thirds majority is required under the Oregon Constitution for expulsion, which would be a first in Oregon s 162 years of statehood.
Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek said she believes the women and has from the beginning. The investigation report documents the experiences of women who have felt unsafe and feared retaliation from Representative Hernandez. This is serious and disturbing. I believed the women when they came forward last year and I believe them now, Kotek said. I m focused on doing everything I can to ensure the Capitol is a safe working environment and that people can do their work without the threat of harassment or retaliation.
The Oregon Education Association, among others, called for Hernandez to step down. In a statement, the association said: These abuses of power have made us lose our confidence in Rep. Hernandez and we believe that he can no longer effectively represent the members of his district.
Willamette Week
The need for strong, independent local journalism
is more urgent than ever. Please support the city we
love by joining Friends of Willamette Week.
Rep. Diego Hernandez Tells OPB He Will Resign Rather Than Face Feb. 23 Expulsion Vote His decision comes after a federal judge on Feb. 20 rejected his bid to block the vote. Rep. Diego Hernandez. (Sam Gehrke) Updated February 21 State Rep. Diego Hernandez told Oregon Public Broadcasting on Sunday night that he would resign rather than face a Feb. 23 vote on whether to expel him from the Oregon House. Today I tendered my resignation so my colleagues may focus on serving Oregonians and so I can move forward with my life and focus on my health and family, Hernandez told OPB on Sunday evening.