Delco Rep Won't Resign After Harassment Allegations

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Delaware County lawmaker is standing his ground after being accused of sexually harassing a lobbyist several years ago.

Spotlight PA reported State Rep. Mike Zabel was accused of sexually harassing Service Employees International Union 32BJ lobbyist Andi Perez in 2019.

Zabel, in a letter to Pennsylvania House Democratic leadership, said he was "saddened by the sensitive and disturbing allegations" against him.

Perez has called on the state legislature to expand its policy on who can file misconduct complaints, as non-members of the legislative body are not able to file complaints against members.

Zabel has faced calls to resign from other state politicians, but has said he has no plans to do so.

"After much thought and discussion, I have decided against resigning from the legislature at this time," he said in the letter.

However, he did give up his seat on the Judiciary Committee.

"I will not let myself be a distraction to the important work of this institution. Therefore, I resign my position on the Judiciary Committee effective immediately," the letter reads. "I also will not accept any other committee assignments at this time so that I can better focus on my family, my treatment, and my recovery."

Zabel claimed an illness he has caused behavior he regrets in the letter.

He said he is being treated for the unspecified illness in an outpatient setting.

In addition to Perez, two other women have claimed inappropriate behavior from Zabel.

Republican State Leadership Committee Deputy Communications Director Mason Di Palma called the allegations "disturbing."

"Representative Zabel is no longer able to serve the people of his district effectively and should resign immediately," Palma said. "Democrat’s’ silence on this matter shows that they are only concerned with holding onto power and not standing by victims of sexual abuse.”

Palma accused House Speaker State Rep. Joanna McClinton and Democratic leadership of ignoring the allegations in an effort "to protect their razor-thin majority."

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the House Ethics Committee is probing the allegations.

"I apologize for the difficult position that I created for our caucus and our colleagues, and I appreciate your patience while I have contemplated my path forward," Zabel said in his letter. "I look forward to better days ahead."