Democrats join Nancy Pelosi in call for John Conyers to resign

Following Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s call for Michigan Congressman John Conyers to step down amid sexual assault allegations, more of the nation's democratic leaders have begun to echo Pelosi’s clarion call.
Despite a current hospital stay reportedly caused by stress, Conyers has not yet announced his resignation from the post he's held for over half a century.
As allegations intensify, the following democrats have also asked for Conyers to step down.

Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint Twp.)
Kildee was the first Democratic congressman to make a statement when he joined Wolf Blitzer on Thursday at 10 a.m. and called for Conyer’s resignation on air.

Kildee’s official statement was sent to Metro Times via an email press release.

“I think Congressman Conyers should resign. No person, no matter where they work, should have to tolerate the kind of harassment that has been alleged. I took a very close look at the statements made by these women. I believe these women. No one likes to believe that a person they respect and work with could abuse their power and harass women, but there can be no tolerance for it. Unfortunately, as painful as it is, I have concluded that Congressman Conyers should step aside.”

Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed
El-Sayed’s office released a statement that reads, “it is clear that allegations surrounding his abuses of power and sexual impropriety by multiple former employees have tarnished his ability to continue to serve in a role that implies the public’s trust.”

U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Senator Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak)
Dingell and Levin told the Detroit Free Press “they believe Conyers, the 88-year-old, longest-serving active member of Congress, needs to resign in the face of the accusations.”

U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-South Carolina)
Clyburn serves as the U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader, and joined Pelosi’s call for Conyer’s to step down. According to the Washington Post, Clyburn said, “I told Conyers several days ago that I thought it was in his best interest that he do the same for his constituents that he did for his colleagues here.”

Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 Democrat in the House
Rep Steny Hoyer tweeted his call for Conyers resignation today at 1:33 p.m., “As I have said, the allegations against Rep. Conyers are serious and credible. As we continue to hear more, I think it is appropriate for him to resign.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal‏ (D-Washington)
Rep. Pramila Jayapal tweeted her call for Conyer’s resignation on Nov. 28 at 4:33 p.m., saying, “It is not easy for me to reach this conclusion because, as a civil rights activist, I have looked up to Representative Conyers for decades. I believe these women, I see the pattern and there is only one conclusion – Rep. Conyers must resign.”

Congressman Mark Takano (D-California)
Congressman Mark Takano tweeted his call for Conyers resignation on Nov. 30 at 3:23 p.m., stating, “Through decades of public service, Congressman John Conyers has shaped some of the most important legislation of our time. But no legacy excuses the disturbing allegations that have come to light over the last week. I believe Mr. Conyers should resign."

Congresswoman Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-New York)
Rep. Kathleen Rice posted her call for Conyers resignation on Twitter on Nov. 22 at 4:45 p.m., saying, “Rep. John Conyers should resign. I’ve reviewed the allegations against him, and they are as credible as they are repulsive.”

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio)
Congressman Tim Ryan echoed Pelosi’s sentiments in a tweet this morning at 11:02 a.m. He wrote, “I agree with Pelosi, Conyers should resign.”

This article will be updated as more statements are made and confirmed.

Aleanna Siacon, Nadia Koontz, and Emmitt Lewis are all editorial interns at Metro Times.