Henry Rodgers on December 5, 2017
Democratic Rep. John Conyers will reportedly not seek re-election after multiple women claim he sexually harassed them including one of his former staffers, according to a new report released Tuesday.
Ian Conyers, the grandson of the Michigan Democrat’s brother, told The New York Times he plans on announcing that he will not return to the House of Representatives after his term ends in 2018, mentioning his health as the reason for retiring.
“He is not resigning. He is going to retire,” the younger Conyers said. “His doctor advised him that the rigor of another campaign would be too much for him just in terms of his health.”
Conyers was hospitalized in late November for a stress-related illness as top Democrats continue to call for his resignation due to the growing sexual misconduct scandal.
Conyers stepped down as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee after it was revealed he had settled a wrongful dismissal suit with one former staffer after she accused him of firing her for resisting his sexual advances. Another woman accused Conyers of sexual misconduct just days later. (RELATED: Second Former Staffer Accuses Conyers Of Harassment)
Since the allegations, both House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Paul Ryan have called for Conyers to resign.
The longtime House Democrat, who has been serving since 1965, plans on making the announcement at some point Tuesday.
