NH Senator Charged With Hitting Woman Refuses To Resign

CONCORD, NH — A prominent New Hampshire state senator is refusing to resign following his arrest last week on domestic violence charges. Jeff Woodburn (pictured), is a Democrat from Dalton and he represents the North Country. He was arrested Thursday and accused of assaulting a woman on two occasions last year, according to New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald. Woodburn allegedly threw a cup at the woman and bit her on the arm.

Woodburn, 53, is the New Hampshire Senate minority leader. He has served three terms and is up for reelection this year.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle called on Woodburn to resign — but he has refused. On Monday, Woodburn issued a statement saying he is stepping down from his leadership post but will remain in his senate seat, according to NHPR. Woodburn added he will focus on "clearing" his name and defending himself against the charges.

New Hampshire U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, called for Woodburn to resign.

"Domestic violence should always be condemned in the strongest terms and there must be accountability for acts of abuse," Shaheen said in a statement. "I'm appalled by these charges."

Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, added Woodburn must resign "immediately."

"Senator Woodburn's morally reprehensible, violent behavior has no place in public service, or anywhere else," Sununu said in a statement. "Domestic violence will not be tolerated in New Hampshire."

Woodburn will be arraigned August 20 in Lancaster District Court.

Woodburn is running unopposed in the September primary. The election is November 6.

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Photo credit: gencourt.state.nh.us