Facing expulsion vote, McKeon resigns from Legislature

Amherst Sen. Dan McKeon announced his resignation on the floor of the Legislature Jan. 13, effective upon adjournment for the day. The announcement came shortly before debate was set to begin on his expulsion from the body amid workplace harassment allegations.

McKeon said he accepted responsibility and expressed regret that his words and actions “have led to this process and [this] moment.”

“This decision is not made lightly but with respect for the institution, my colleagues and the responsibility that accompanies public service,” he said. “I leave with humility, reflection and sincere hope that my departure allows this Legislature to move forward with unity, purpose and integrity.”

McKeon’s announcement preempted debate on LR282, a measure to expel him from the Legislature, which was scheduled for a single round of debate Jan. 13.

The resolution, introduced by the Executive Board and advanced to the floor unanimously, cites a “pattern of behavior violating the Nebraska Legislature’s workplace policies on harassment and decorum” by McKeon, including an incident at a work-related party for senators and staff.

During the event to celebrate the end of the 2025 legislative session, McKeon allegedly made a joke involving sexual innuendo and made inappropriate contact with a female legislative staffer’s buttocks over her clothes, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

The Executive Board also conducted an investigation into the allegations against McKeon, as required by the Legislature’s workplace harassment policy. The investigation found that McKeon violated the policy through comments containing sexual innuendo and unwelcome physical contact with the legislative employee.

LR282 also states that McKeon violated the Legislature’s workplace harassment policy by engaging in retaliatory conduct against the complainant and that he likely would not refrain from future violations of legislative policy.

Gov. Jim Pillen will appoint a successor to fill the vacant seat. The appointee will serve District 41 until a November 2026 special election to select a representative for the two-year remainder of McKeon’s term.

District 41 encompasses Boone, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler counties in central Nebraska as well as portions of Buffalo and Hall counties.

Eligible applicants must have lived in the district for at least one full year, be registered to vote and be at least 21 years old.