'Intentional cover-up': Democrats face ethics complaints in critical House race, potentially derailing campaign

FOX First Broadcast: A Democratic House candidate in one of the nation's most-watched races faces an ethics complaint for failing to act on allegations of sexual harassment and assault against a man working on his campaign. It became.

Fox News Digital has obtained a complaint filed with the state Office of Legislative Equality against Janelle Bynum, who is running for Congress in Oregon's 5th Congressional District. Bynum alleges that she failed in her reporting duties for a man who worked for a PAC that was staffing her state House of Representatives. 2022 campaign.

The complaint also alleges Bynum was dismissive when questioned about her alleged actions and threatened the person who contacted her.

“During the 2024 primary election, I was contacted by an informant who intentionally sexually assaulted Congresswoman Bynum and an underage volunteer who worked for her during the 2022 election cycle.” “We obtained information regarding the concealment,” the complaint states.

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The complainant claims to have “spoken privately” with two former staffers who say they reported inappropriate sexual conduct by field organizers “directly” to Mr. Bynum, as well as two other people associated with the campaign. However, “nothing was done.'' ”

“To me, the biggest issue here is that all members of Congress are mandatory reporters,” the complaint says. “Mr. Bynum received credible information that one of his campaign staffers was sexually harassing and assaulting a young volunteer, but not only did he not report it, he threatened to report the whistleblower…”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Bynum's campaign said, “This attempt to smear Congresswoman Bynum is not based in reality. She is a mother of two young women and has dedicated her career to advocating for others. As a member of Congress who has spent a lot of time, Congressman Bynum said. She takes this issue personally, which is why she reported these accusations directly to the accuser's employer, Future PAC, as soon as she learned of them after the 2022 election. ”

“That is also why she publicly supported the Legislative Integrity Office’s investigation into this matter. Rep. Bynum is committed to ensuring that Future PAC addresses these accusations fairly and promptly and ensuring the health and safety of our employees.” If Future PAC did anything other than that, that's unacceptable. ”

Bynum's campaign shared a Sept. 20 email exchange between Bynum and the Office of Legislative Integrity in which the office told her she was “not being investigated” by the agency. That's what it means.

However, two sources familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that state police have questioned him regarding recent complaints filed in recent weeks. The nature and scope of that investigation is unknown at this time.

Fox News Digital obtained text messages between Bynum and Bynum, a former campaign manager, in which Bynum showed little interest in drawing attention to allegations of fraud against former staffers.

“I asked you not to send me anything, and that's what I meant,” Bynum said in response to a warning from a former campaign manager that his staff had harassed women involved in his campaign. he said in a Nov. 17 text message. “I really can't put anything else on it.”

The former campaign manager continued to pursue the issue several days later.

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US Capitol Dome, Washington DC (AP)

“This may be unfortunate for you, but (redacted) I will not stand by and watch someone like this abuse young women like that and get away with it.” , the former campaign manager texted Mr. Bynum on Nov. 21, 2022. “If he gets a job there, I promise this won't be the last time you hear about it.”

Bynum responded by asking, “Are you threatening me?”

“Oh, that's easy,” the former campaign manager replies. “I promise you and everyone else that I will not tolerate someone treating a young woman that way.”

“I will consider reporting your actions,” Bynum responded. “thank you for teaching me.”

In another text thread on Nov. 14, 2022, FuturePAC staff said it was “best to tell Janelle” and that they would “definitely flag” concerns.

The exact date Bynum raised his concerns through the appropriate channels is unclear, but two sources familiar with the situation told FOX News Digital that the accused staffer has been involved with FuturePAC for the past several years. He was said to have held a government position. Oregon State Legislature After 2022 Campaign. FuturePAC did not respond to an investigation related to the allegations shared with Fox News Digital.

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A July 2024 complaint accuses Janelle Bynum of “deliberately concealing the sexual assault of an underage volunteer who worked for her during the 2022 cycle.” (Oregon Office of Legislative Equity)

A July 2024 complaint accuses Janelle Bynum of “deliberately concealing the sexual assault of an underage volunteer who worked for her during the 2022 cycle.” (Oregon Office of Legislative Equity)

Fox News Digital has documented text messages between Bynum and a FuturePAC employee starting on Nov. 22, four days after the text exchange with the former campaign manager, showing Bynum making phone calls about unspecified issues. I looked it up by November 30th, when I was about to call.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation told Fox News Digital that multiple staffers at Future PAC, the campaign arm of Oregon House Democrats that handles local campaigns, had no contact with the person during the campaign. He said he was aware of the concerns and allegations but told staff they would be addressed after the campaign. concluded. A FuturePAC spokesperson denied these allegations.

“To our knowledge, no formal complaints have been made regarding staff assigned to Rep. Bynum's campaign during the 2022 cycle that would trigger a contract-based investigation,” a FuturePAC spokesperson told FOX. He told News Digital. “FuturePAC employs and manages campaign staff who work on the campaigns we support. As such, campaign staff are employees of FuturePAC and not employees of individual candidates. “We take all allegations of staff conduct during campaign activities seriously.''

“Our union contract agreement with the Campaign Workers Guild requires that official complaints and investigations be handled through FuturePAC. Campaigns and candidates are responsible for investigating any conduct in the workplace. To our knowledge, no formal complaints were made during the 2022 cycle, which would have triggered an investigation under the contract. ”

portland oregon (St. Petersburg)

Oregon Legislature Rule 27 states, “Members of the Legislative Assembly are expected to conduct themselves in a harassment-free manner and to discourage all forms of harassment in the workplace, professional conferences, seminars, and any other events.” Legislative affairs are carried out there. ”

Multiple state laws in Oregon specifically require state legislators to report allegations of sexual assault involving children and minors, and state that legislators are mandatory reporters of such allegations. generally understood.

Bynum drew criticism from sexual assault survivors in 2019 after voting against a bill that would have extended the statute of limitations for rape, giving victims more time to file lawsuits.

“It's not common to protect defendants, but that's our job,” Bynum said at the time.

An Oregon State Police spokesperson confirmed that they had “received an initial complaint” regarding the July charges against Bynum, but declined to comment “regarding the status and scope of the investigation” or the origin of the charges received. I didn't.

“Janelle is the only person in this campaign who has been a consistent champion for underserved and underrepresented people, and she is committed to doing the best for Oregonians in Congress.” DCCC spokesperson Dan Gottlieb told FOX News Digital. “Lori Chavez Delemer doesn't need anyone to lecture her about standing up for victims and survivors.”

Chris Taylor, senior adviser to the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, told Fox News Digital that Bynum is not responsible for the accusations.

Janelle Bynum (left) and her unsuccessful Democratic primary opponent Jamie McLeod-Skinner (right) (Rep. Janelle Bynum/Rep. Jamie McLeod-Skinner)

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“Future PAC and Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey should be held accountable for the alleged personnel failures within their organization,” Taylor said. I will not allow this to be passed on to women.” “As a mother, small business owner, and dedicated public servant, Janelle has a proven track record of service to Oregon, and we are confident she will do even more for Oregonians once she reaches Congress. ”

A spokesperson for Emily's List told Fox News Digital that Bynum is “a mother, a state legislator, and a lifelong staunch advocate for Oregonians.”

“Throughout this election, Republicans have shamefully sought to tarnish Mr. Bynum’s record, distracting from the extremist agenda promoted by Lori Chavez Delemer and her MAGA allies. This is just their latest attempt to do so. We are proud to support Ms. Bynum and are confident that she will do so for Oregonians against Republican extremism. Please continue standing. ”

A person familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that Bynum “received annual training in his duties as a mandatory reporter” and would have been convinced of his “duty to report to law enforcement” rather than Future Pack. spoke.

“Her dereliction of duty is not the fault of Fahey or anyone else.”

Mr. Bynum is in a race against Republican Rep. Lori Chavez Delemer, which some experts believe could tip the balance of power in the House.