Colo. State Senator Accused Of Sexual Harassment Will Step Down

DENVER, CO – A Republican Colorado lawmaker embroiled in multiple sexual harassment allegations last fall at the state capitol announced he would retire from this state senate seat two years before his term is up.

State Senator Randy Baumgardner, who represents Hot Sulphur Springs, announced Dec. 17 that he will retire from his Senate Dist. 8 seat, effective Jan. 21. In the letter, he called his ten years service as both a House Representative and State Senator "the opportunity of a lifetime" and said he learned "many lessons, none as important as to always put your family first. My family's resilience and love have given me the grace to continue forward under the most difficult of circumstances."

Baumgardner was accused of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment last fall by eight different women. Baumgardner's female accusers's complaints were found "credible" by Employers Council, an independent investigation human resources firm. A second independent firm, Littleton-based Alternative Dispute Resolution, hired by the General Assembly, found more allegations credible, and revealed that female general assembly staffers called him"boob grabber" behind his back.

Baumgardner denied all allegations.

Baumgardner survived a Senate vote for his expulsion in early April. He stepped down from the transportation committee he chaired in March and agreed to undergo sensitivity training.

Baumgardner was one of five Colorado lawmakers accused of sexual harassment in 2017.

Incoming GOP Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert snubbed Baumgardner this week when he announced his caucus' committee assignments for the new 2019 session, and left Baumgardner off of all of them, Colorado Politics reported.

Read State Senator Baumgardner's resignation letter here:

Related:'Boob Grabber' Baumgardner Created Offensive Workplace: Report

Related: Colo. Sen Baumgardner Steps Down From Committee, Won't Resign

Related: Who's Accused? Colorado Lawmaker Sex Harassment Roundup

Image via Colorado General Assembly

Stay up-to-date with Colorado news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook