Nebraska Democratic Party officials have demanded that U.S. Senate candidate Chris Janicek withdraw from the senate race after reviewing sexually inappropriate comments he made about a staff member during a group text among the Janicek campaign.
In a meeting last Thursday, NDP Statewide Officers demanded that Janicek decline the Democratic Senate nomination. This would require a form to be filed by Janicek with the Nebraska Secretary of State in order for his name to be removed from the November ballot. The party has the ability to replace his name on the ballot for the November 3 election if he resigns and completes paperwork with the Secretary of State.
Janicek informed the NDP that he would not withdraw on Monday, the deadline that was agreed upon by party leaders and Janicek during the meeting last week.
The Janicek staff member, who has since quit the campaign, sent a copy of the text message last week to the party and filed a formal complaint with the NDP on Monday afternoon.
The text message said they needed to “get her laid,” referring to the staffer and indicated “group sex.” The Omaha World-Herald reported the texts ‘described lining up multiple partners for group sex with the staffer and suggested the “three guys” could be paid.’ “Thoughts?! money” he said.
Janicek told the news outlet he made a “terrible mistake.”
Monday evening, the NDP’s State Executive Committee (SEC) met and voted unanimously to withdraw all party resources from the Chris Janicek campaign. No SEC Member supported Janicek staying in the race.
“Our Democratic Party has no tolerance for sexual harassment,” said NDP Chair Jane Kleeb. “Our Party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct and doesn’t treat men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
