Pennsylvania Congressman Zabel resigns amid sexual harassment allegations

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WHTM) — Pennsylvania Representative Mike Zabel said he will resign from the House of Representatives on March 16 following allegations of sexual harassment.

Zabel’s resignation was announced Wednesday afternoon by House Democrats.

In a letter to Speaker Joanna McClinton, Zabel said: At this time, I am stepping away from this role to focus on my family and my health. ”

Zabel, who has already resigned from commission duties, has been publicly accused by a lobbyist who claims he touched her.

Rep. Abby Major, a Republican from western Pennsylvania, also claimed Zebel sexually harassed her. Major claimed Zabel laid his hand on her at a Harrisburg bar last November and followed her as she left.

The Major said he was telling her story to shed light on the fact that ethical rules are not sufficient to protect women working in and around the Capitol. The proposed rule probably wouldn’t cover the incident in question, as it occurred at an event that was not a formal event.

“Someone has to continue this fight. I feel like I have very little to lose and I can’t sleep at night thinking he’s only going to get away with this action. Alcoholism is terrible and he can help me.” I hope you will, but it is not an excuse or an excuse to assault or harass women. I am sick of men using it in this way. You can reach out to

Republicans in the House and Senate had previously called on Zabel to resign.

Republicans had accused the Democrats of protecting Zabel because he needed his vote to ensure that Joanna McClinton would take the presidency and maintain their slim majority.

McClinton told abc27’s Dennis Owens before Zabel resigned that he had no comment on the criticism.

March 8th is International Women’s Day, and there’s been a lot of empowering women happening in Harrisburg lately. They head both houses of Congress.

However, the woman says there is more to be done when it comes to house ethics rules.