Utah Senate Democrats call for one of their own to resign amid misconduct allegations
by Bridger Beal-Cvetko ksl · KSL.comSALT LAKE CITY — Democrats in the Utah Senate say they have voted to remove Sen. Kathleen Riebe from the caucus and called on the senator to resign her seat.
The call for resignation was unexpected and came just an hour before polls were set to close on Election Day in Utah. The caucus said an independent investigation into an official complaint against Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, revealed "a pattern of conduct towards others that was likely motivated by race, national origin or ethnicity."
The investigation concluded Monday and also found "statements concerning employment decisions involving individuals based on their sexual orientation or other protected characteristics," according to a statement from the caucus.
No additional details about the specifics of the alleged misconduct were provided, and a spokeswoman said the Senate would not comment further on the investigation in order to "protect the confidentiality of those involved."
"We take matters of workplace harassment and discrimination seriously," the caucus said. "We have no tolerance for bias, aggressive behavior or discriminatory practices. This is personal because it affects us, our families, our districts and our communities. It's about real people we love and represent."
The statement was issued by the five remaining members of the Senate Minority Caucus: Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, Minority Whip Karen Kwan, D-Murray, Minority Assistant Whip Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, and Sens. Stephanie Pitcher, D-Salt Lake City, and Nate Blouin, D-Millcreek.
"Given the severity of these findings and the serious breach of trust they represent, we also call for her immediate resignation as a Utah State senator," Senate Democrats wrote.
Riebe did not immediately respond to a request for comment from KSL Tuesday evening.
First elected in 2018, Riebe had held the position of Utah Senate minority caucus manager prior to Tuesday's announcement. She ran for Congress twice, including earlier this year in Utah's newly-drawn first congressional district. But in April, Riebe exited the race and endorsed former Congressman Ben McAdams.
Editor's note: KSL talk show host and attorney Greg Skordas represents Sen. Kathleen Riebe in this matter. He will not participate in KSL's coverage or editorial decisions related to this story.