PETER HASSON SENIOR REPORTER
The House Committee on Ethics is investigating allegations that Democratic California Rep. Katie Hill had an extramarital affair with one of her congressional aides, committee leadership announced Wednesday evening.
Hill denied Tuesday having an affair with her legislative director, Graham Kelly, but did not deny having an extramarital relationship with one of her female campaign staffers. Hill’s alleged affair with the congressional aide would violate House ethics rules, while the alleged affair with the campaign staffer would not.
“The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Katie Hill may have engaged in a sexual relationship with an individual on her congressional staff, in violation of House Rule XXIII, clause 18(a). The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations,” the committee chair and ranking member said in a joint statement.
“The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee,” they added. Democratic Florida Rep. Ted Deutch chairs the committee, and Republican Texas Rep. Kenny Marchant is the ranking member.
Hill’s office did not immediately return a request for comment on the investigation. (RELATED: Rep Katie Hill Flees Reporters’ Questions)
Hill’s Republican challenger in the 2020 election, Angela Underwood Jacobs, has already called on Hill to resign over the alleged affairs.
Follow Hasson on Twitter @PeterJHasson
Get Citizensjournal.us Headlines free SUBSCRIPTION. Keep us publishing – DONATE
