The head of the California Democratic Party has resigned… after being hit with numerous sexual assault allegations from both men and women.
Eric Bauman, the party’s first openly gay chairman, had been in his role for 18 months, but announced his resignation in a statement on Thursday, writing:
“I have made the realization that in order for those to whom I may have caused pain and who need to heal, for my own health, and in the best interest of the party that I love and to which I have dedicated myself for more than 25 years, it is in everyone’s best interest for me to resign my position as chair of the California Democratic Party.”
Bauman apparently made creepy sexual comments to both men and women in the workplace–including telling a woman he wanted to have sex with her and suggesting she had been a gay man in a previous life.
Bauman had been the subject of an internal investigation, during which he took a leave of absence. But after top officials in the party, including Governor-elect Gavin Newsom, called on him to step down, he finally gave into the pressure.
“I deeply regret if my behavior has caused pain to any of the outstanding individuals with whom I’ve had the privilege to work. I appreciate the courage it took for these individuals to come forward to tell their stories,” he added.
“Leading the California Democratic Party to historic victories has been the honor of a lifetime, and I look forward to continuing this important work upon the conclusion of the investigation and when my health allows,” he continued.
Bauman has also said he plans to seek treatment for alcohol abuse.
