California State Sen. Tony Mendoza resigned amid the increasing investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him. His decision comes before a possible vote for his expulsion.
In a post on Facebook, Mendoza said, “It is with great pain that I resign today from the Senate. The secretive investigation, with no Due Process and Disparate Treatment, left me with no other choice…”
He is the third lawmaker in California who decided to resign because of sexual harassment allegations. Mendoza denied the accusations against him. However, he apologized if his actions made anyone uncomfortable.
In his letter to his fellow lawmakers, Mendoza called the investigation against him “farcical.” According to him, he does not want to participate any further in the inquiry that ignores the Senate rules, due processes, and constitutional rights to self-defense.
Additionally, Mendoza claimed that the investigation is just “all for the purpose of playing to election year politicking.”
Furthermore, Mendoza emphasized that Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon will not stop until his head is on a platter. According to him, the Senate leader wants to prove his sincerity to the MeToo movement that he supports its cause.
Mendoza intends to sue California Senate
Mendoza argued that de Leon secretly ordered the investigation against him without any due process. He did not receive any information about the specific charges. He did not have access to witnesses, evidence, or any opportunity to defend himself.
