Congressman Conyers Makes Retirement Official

johnconyers

Detroit Congressman John Conyers is retiring, effective today. The 88-year-old is facing several accusations from former staff members that he has sexually harassed them over the course of the last few decades, with the most recent saying he rubbed her thighs in church. Conyers announced his plans to not seek reelection this morning on a Detroit radio show. He endorsed his son, John Conyers III, in the election to succeed him. His great nephew, Michigan Senator Ian Conyers, had told “The New York Times” that he would be running for the seat.

The resignation of Congressman Conyers has been called for by several leaders in Washington, including three Congressional Democrats from southeast Michigan, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Conyers’ attorney says those calls ignore due process, and says his client has not been afforded that right.