US Congresswoman Katie Hill resigns over alleged affair with staffer
What's the story
US Congresswoman Katie Hill, on Sunday, resigned from the Congress amid allegations of an affair with a congressional staffer.
Hill (32), the Democratic Representative of California, is under investigation by the House ethics committee for the affair, while in office, with a male staffer, which she denies.
Hill noted that she was heartbroken, however, felt that her resignation was in the nation's best interests.
Resignation
'My resignation best for my constituents, my community, and country'
On Sunday, Hill tweeted her resignation letter saying, "This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country."
Hill, who is going through a divorce with husband Kenny Heslep, described him as "abusive" and attributed her resignation to him and "hateful political operatives" facilitating a "smear campaign."
Privacy concerns
Private photos of Hill leaked, including explicit pictures
Recently, the conservative website Redstate and British tabloid The Daily Mail published private intimate pictures of Hill along with allegations of a "throuple" affair.
It was alleged that Hill, who is openly bisexual, had an affair with campaign finance director Graham Kelly, and 24-year-old female campaign worker Morgan Desjardins.
Hill has denied an affair with Kelly, however, she apologized for her relationship with Desjardins.
Quote
'Even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate'
"I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment. For that I apologize," she wrote in the letter.
Hill, who also seems to be a victim of revenge porn, added, "Having private photos of personal moments weaponized against me has been an appalling invasion of my privacy. It's also illegal."
Quote
'Currently pursuing all available legal options'
"We are currently pursuing all of our available legal options," Hill wrote, adding, "However, I know that as long as I am in Congress, we'll live fearful of what might come next and how much it will hurt."
Twitter Post
You can read her full resignation letter here
It is with a broken heart that today I announce my resignation from Congress. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country.
— Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 27, 2019
See my official statement below. pic.twitter.com/nG97RQIwvO
Information
Hill elected to House of Representatives in November 2018
Hill was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 after defeating incumbent Republican Steve Knight in a district north of Los Angeles. She served as the vice-chair of the House Armed Services and Oversight and Reform Committees.
Quote
Hill acknowledged errors in judgment: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
In a statement on Sunday night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Hill had "a bright vision for the future" and "made a great contribution as a leader of the Freshman Class."
"She has acknowledged errors in judgment that made her continued service as a Member untenable," Pelosi said. "We must ensure a climate of integrity and dignity in the Congress, and in all workplaces."