Rep. Josh Zepnick says he will not resign following sexual assault allegations

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WisPolitics reports that Rep. Josh Zepnick, D-Milwaukee, said he will not resign following allegations by two women who say he kissed them without consent in 2011 and 2015.

The Capital Times reported that two women anonymously filed complaints against Zepnick. In 2015 at the state Democratic Party’s convention, Zepnick became drunk and allegedly kissed a woman without her consent. Another woman said Zepnick kissed her while he was drunk during a 2011 party for a Senate recall candidate.

Zepnick is a recovering alcoholic and said in a statement that he will not resign.

“My life is back on track and I’ve been sober for over two years,” Zepnick said. “I will not be resigning and I will continue to work hard on behalf of my constituents.”

Democratic leaders said they are taking the allegations very seriously.

Assembly Republicans responded to the allegations with a statement Saturday.

Rep. Zepnick’s behavior was reprehensible and conduct that’s unacceptable for any human being, let alone a state representative,” the statement read. “Rep. Zepnick has the responsibility to reflect on whether he can effectively represent his district in light of these circumstances and then decide what’s best for his constituents and the institution as a whole.”

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