Kentucky Officials Urge Resignation of Rep. Daniel Grossberg Amid Ethics Investigation

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, alongside other Democratic officials, have publicly called for the resignation of Representative Daniel Grossberg, following allegations of inappropriate conduct. The call for his resignation was made on Friday during a press conference amid an ongoing ethics investigation concerning Grossberg, a Democrat from Louisville.

Governor Beshear emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “You cannot be a state representative and engage in this type of conduct.” He reiterated this stance, asserting the need for a workplace free from harassment, especially within the state Capitol. Coleman supported these sentiments, stressing, “Women and girls in Kentucky deserve better and so do Rep. Grossberg’s constituents.”

These developments follow a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader, which disclosed Grossberg’s alleged misconduct at a Louisville strip club where he purportedly engaged in inappropriate touching and made an offer of $5,000 to a dancer for sex. Grossberg, through his attorney Anna Whites, has denied these allegations, stating he never solicited prostitution or leveraged his office for advantage.

Many Democratic leaders, including U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey and the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus, have joined in urging Grossberg to step down. Morgan McGarvey stated on X, formerly Twitter, that “sexual assault, harassment, and abuses of power can not be tolerated.” These sentiments were supported by a joint statement from Minority Floor Leader Derrick Graham, Representative Cherlynn Stevenson, and Representative Rachel Roberts, who described the allegations against Grossberg as “appalling.”

In addition, Kentucky Democratic Chair Colmon Elridge labeled Grossberg as “unfit” for office, emphasizing the responsibility of public representatives to be accountable for their actions. The call for resignation has also been echoed by Democratic state Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong, the president of the Kentucky Young Democrats Allison Wiseman, and other notable figures within the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Despite the mounting pressure, Grossberg has stated his intent to remain in his position, claiming he is dedicated to serving his constituents. His attorney, Anna Whites, has expressed skepticism over the timing of these allegations, suggesting that they are surfacing as part of a political maneuver ahead of an election.

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission is currently investigating Grossberg following the revelation of inappropriate text messages sent to women, which had previously led the House Democratic leadership to relieve Grossberg of his committee duties temporarily.

Governor Beshear has also mentioned the potential need for a stronger legislative ethics code to prevent similar incidents in the future, with an emphasis on improving reporting procedures to ensure allegations are handled promptly and appropriately. The situation continues to develop as legal and political processes unfold. Grossberg’s ethics investigation is anticipated to yield further insights into the allegations against him.