Scandal Forces Congressman David Wu to Announce Resignation

The Medical School alumnus announced he will not seek an eighth term.

Oregon Democrat David Wu, M '81, will resign from the House of Representatives, the New York Times reports, after being accused of engaging in unwanted sexual activity with the 18-year-old daughter of a campaign contributor. Wu, the first Chinese American to serve in the House, announced on Monday that he would not seek re-election. House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, meanwhile, has referred the matter to the House Ethics Committee, and as a result, both of his home state’s Democratic senators called on July 26 for his resignation.

"The time has come to hand on the privilege of high office. I cannot care for my family the way I wish while serving in Congress and fighting these very serious allegations," Wu said in a four-paragraph statement, adding, "This is the right decision for my family, the institution of the House, and my colleagues.”

He said that he intended to resign effective upon the resolution of the debt-ceiling crisis. His departure reduces to 30 the number of Harvard matriculants in the 112th Congress: three Republicans and nine Democrats in the Senate; two Republicans and 16 Democrats in the House. 

 

You might also like

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

The University must turn over all requested materials related to tuition and financial aid by mid-July. 

Most popular

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Are Noncitizens’ Speech Rights Protected?

Harvard faculty testify in a federal lawsuit over free speech and deportations.

Explore More From Current Issue

David Leo Rice on 'The Berlin Wall'

David Leo Rice explores the strange, unseen forces shaping our world.

The Woman Who Rode Horses Into the Water

Scrapbooking a woman who rode horses into the sea