TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ( Associated Press) — Florida Representative Ramon Alexander, the incoming leader of the House Democrats, says he will not run for re-election after allegations of sexually assaulting a former Florida A&M employee.
Tallahassee Democrat. A few days after Sikandar made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday Details of complaints of sexual harassment made against him.
His statement did not mention the allegations, although he had earlier apologized and told the newspaper that the talks were consensual.
“After thoughtful consideration and personal self-reflection, I will not seek re-election to my final term in the Florida House of Representatives,” Alexander wrote on social media. Saying that it was his “true honour” to serve in the Legislature.
The newspaper reported that the allegations were covered in complaints made by the employee to the State Human Relations Commission. The employee told the newspaper that Alexander groped her several times and sent her unsolicited sexually explicit texts and other material over the phone. The employee’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press.
Alexander, who is married with children, has recently attracted national media attention through criticism of new Republican policies limiting discussion of race in schools.
Representative Evan Jan, the current House Democratic leader, issued a statement Thursday saying the caucus would soon meet to choose a new leader-nominee. Earlier in the week, Jane told the newspaper that it would be irresponsible to comment with specifics given the “sensitive and serious nature” of the claims.
“He and his family are in my thoughts as they navigate this next phase of their lives,” Jen wrote Thursday.
Sikandar was elected to the House in 2016, representing a district that includes parts of the capital, Tallahassee.
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