Nebraska Legislature Considers Expulsion of Senator Amid Misconduct Allegations
On the first day of the 2026 legislative session, Nebraska lawmakers were asked to address a motion to expel a senator accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and touching a staff member during a party last year.
If the Nebraska Legislature votes to expel Sen. Dan McKeon, who is currently listed as an independent but is a Republican, it will mark an unprecedented event in the state’s history.
This push for expulsion arises from accusations made by a staff member who claims McKeon told her to “have sex” and slapped her on the buttocks during a gathering at Lincoln Country Club last May. This event included various officials, staff, and lobbyists.
Sexual harassment has been under increasing scrutiny in state legislatures nationwide. Since 2017, at least 156 lawmakers across 44 states have faced accusations of sexual misconduct, and 56 of those either resigned or were expelled. Many others have also experienced consequences like losing committee positions or leadership roles.
An external law firm prepared a report regarding McKeon’s case at the request of the Legislature’s Executive Committee, and it was made public recently. It indicated that McKeon is known for telling jokes that can often be unprofessional or inappropriate for a work setting.
While the report concluded that McKeon’s actions didn’t meet the legal definitions for sexual harassment or retaliation under state or federal laws, it still emphasized that his behavior was unacceptable. It noted that his actions violated the Nebraska Legislature’s harassment policy, which permits disciplinary measures, including censure or expulsion, at the discretion of lawmakers.
According to the report, the incident took place on May 29, where McKeon and the staffer discussed vacation plans. He allegedly made a comment about her going to Hawaii to engage in sexual activities, which he later described as a joke, claiming he wanted his girlfriend to receive a Hawaiian lei.
The report highlighted that this comment was somewhat inconsistent since the staffer did not actually vacation in Hawaii. Additionally, she reported that McKeon had patted her on the back, a claim McKeon initially denied but later conceded might have occurred, although he insisted it wasn’t intended as a sexual advance.
After the allegations came to light, McKeon was advised by Sen. Ben Hansen, the Executive Committee chairman, not to participate in social events with staff. However, that same night, he attended a gathering where the staffer in question was also present.
About a month later, McKeon reportedly sent a note to the woman urging her to find strength within herself to forgive him, citing biblical commands for forgiveness. The report also mentioned that he texted another staff member expressing that they seemed difficult to work with.
Following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol, McKeon faced a misdemeanor charge for disturbing the peace, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
During Wednesday’s session, McKeon refrained from commenting on the report but referenced the accusations against him, suggesting that everyone has faults and noting that his name, Daniel, means “righteous” in Hebrew. He has no plans to resign, despite pressure from some party leaders, including the Republican governor, but he anticipates that a vote regarding his expulsion will be close. He seems prepared for the possibility of being forced to leave his position.
“It is what it is,” he stated simply. “I’m not going to cry about that.”
A hearing on the expulsion resolution is set for Monday, and if it fails in committee, the full House could deliberate on it as early as Tuesday, requiring 33 votes for approval.
If expelled, McKeon would join the ranks of 57 state lawmakers across the U.S. who have resigned or been expelled following allegations of sexual misconduct since 2017.
