Florida state senator resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

A GOP state senator and gubernatorial candidate in Florida resigned Wednesday after an investigation reportedly found credible evidence of sexual misconduct.

Jack Latvala continued to deny any wrongdoing in a letter to state Senate President Joe Negron (R) announcing he would step down Jan. 5, The Associated Press reported.

“I have had enough. If this is the process our Party and Senate leadership desires, than I have no interest in continuing to serve with you,” Latvala wrote.

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Gov. Rick Scott (R) and Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) called on Latvala to resign earlier in the day, the AP noted.

Several women had accused Latvala of inappropriately touching them or making demeaning comments about their bodies. The women, who declined to be identified, included Senate staff and lobbyists. 

Investigators found additional women who indicated Latvala had a habit of telling dirty jokes and suggesting he would support legislation in exchange for sexual favors.

Latvala was removed in November as budget chairman in the state Senate, but said he believed he would be “fully exonerated.”

Lawmakers in state capitols across the country have been grappling in recent months with a heightened focus on allegations of sexual misconduct.

A number of politicians have announced their resignations or retirements in recent weeks following such allegations, including California state lawmakers, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas).