Fla. Lawmaker Accused of Sexually Harassing Man Won’t Seek Reelection

Florida state Rep. Ramon Alexander announced Thursday that he will not be running for reelection after facing a sexual harassment scandal.

The Democrat from Tallahassee has been accused of sexual harassment by a former Florida A&M University employee. He wrote on Twitter that he made the decision "after thoughtful consideration and personal self-reflection."

"Words will never fully describe how truly grateful I have been over these many years to represent and fight for my community in the Florida Legislature," he wrote. "Meaningful public service has always been about making a significant difference in the lives of others without self-promotion, spectacle, or fanfare."

Alexander, 37, added that it had been "a true honor" to work on issues facing the state and the country.

He had been expected to be the state's next House minority leader, according to The Tallahassee Democrat. Alexander has served in the House since 2016 and was up for a fourth and final term due to term limits.

Democratic Rep. Evan Jenne, the House's current minority leader, said, "In the near future, our caucus will meet to elect a new leader designate to take over when I leave office in November," Jenne said. "In the meantime, we will continue to focus on tackling the problems of the state and improving the lives of all Floridians."

Earlier this week, the paper revealed Alexander had been accused of sexual harassment by Michael Johnson Jr., who says he was fired from Florida A&M University unlawfully after reporting university employees, including Alexander's brother-in-law.

Johnson claims that Alexander sent him sexual messages, including a video of Alexander masturbating and telling Johnson he wanted to have sex with him on his capitol desk, the paper reports.

The lawmaker has disputed those claims and said the relationship was consensual. He also said he had no sway over employment at the university.

Johnson said the relationship was never physical and he had rejected Alexander's advances.