Tearful Nebraska state Sen. McKeon resigns amid accusations of inappropriate behavior

In a dramatic turn of events at the Nebraska Legislature, Republican State Senator Dan McKeon resigned on Tuesday, moments before lawmakers were scheduled to debate his expulsion following accusations of inappropriate conduct toward a staff member.

McKeon, who represented a rural south-central Nebraska district and had served just one year in office, delivered an emotional address on the legislative floor, taking responsibility for his actions.

“My words and actions were careless, regardless of the intent,” McKeon said, his voice breaking during the apology. “I accept my responsibility for the impact of my words and my actions. This past year has humbled me. It requires reflection, listening and learning. Accountability is not only acknowledging my mistake but committing to grow from it.”

The resignation marked a notable shift from what many colleagues had described as McKeon’s previously defiant attitude toward the allegations. His departure came one day after the Legislature’s 10-member Executive Board unanimously approved forwarding an expulsion motion to the full body.

The accusations stem from an incident at a May 29 end-of-session party where McKeon allegedly made inappropriate comments to a legislative staffer. According to the complaint, McKeon told the woman she should “get laid” on her vacation and inappropriately touched her buttocks.

McKeon has disputed this characterization, claiming through his attorney that he had “made a bad pun” by suggesting the woman and her spouse “go to Hawaii and enjoy a Hawaiian lei.” He also maintained that he patted the staffer on the back and may have accidentally brushed against her, but insisted any such contact was unintentional.

An independent investigation revealed a pattern of concerning behavior, finding that McKeon had a history of making inappropriate comments during his brief legislative tenure. Investigators also discovered that McKeon had ignored a directive from the Executive Board’s chairman to avoid events where staffers would be present, attending another function that same day where the complainant was present.

The investigation further revealed that McKeon had sent a text message to another staffer who shares an office with the complainant, stating she “seems to be difficult to work with” – an action investigators suggested could constitute retaliation.

While the report determined McKeon’s conduct didn’t rise to the level of sexual harassment actionable under state or federal discrimination laws, it concluded he had violated the Nebraska Legislature’s workplace harassment policy.

The case represents the latest in a troubling pattern of sexual misconduct allegations in the Nebraska Legislature. Just 15 months earlier, the body faced turmoil when former Republican Senator Steve Halloran read a graphic account of rape from a bestselling memoir on the legislative floor, repeatedly invoking a fellow lawmaker’s name in a way that made it appear that lawmaker was the subject of the assault.

Though an outside investigation found Halloran had violated the body’s sexual harassment policy, he received only a letter of reprimand from the Executive Board – a response criticized by several lawmakers who argued for a full censure vote. Halloran left office in January 2025 due to term limits.

McKeon’s case prompted a stronger response, reflecting growing attention to sexual misconduct within state legislatures nationwide. He becomes at least the 57th state lawmaker in the United States to leave office through expulsion or resignation since 2017 following sexual misconduct allegations.

In addition to his legislative troubles, McKeon faces a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace stemming from the State Patrol’s investigation into the May incident. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on January 26.

The Nebraska Legislature will now begin the process of filling McKeon’s vacant seat as it continues its legislative session.