Facing potential expulsion by the Texas House of Representatives for inappropriate sexual conduct with a subordinate, Republican State Rep. Bryan Slaton of Royse City has announced his resignation from the Legislature.
The expulsion vote is still set to happen on Tuesday.
Slaton’s announcement comes following a report released by the House General Investigating Committee on Saturday that found Slaton—45 and married—provided alcohol to a 19-year-old staff member prior to having sex with her at his apartment. The report also found that Slaton attempted to use his position to attempt to cover up the situation.
The committee recommended that Slaton be expelled from the body on Tuesday, a move that hasn’t happened since 1927, leading Slaton to vacate his seat before the vote.
Slaton’s resignation letter says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and serving the community.
Notably, his statement does not make mention of or apologize for the accusations levied against him.
Following the resignation, Republican Party of Texas Chairman Matt Rinaldi said the party commended the House “for responding swiftly and appropriately to the reprehensible actions of Representative Slaton.”
“The misconduct described in the General Investigative Committee Report should never be tolerated and is proper grounds for expulsion,” said Rinaldi. “These actions have betrayed the trust that the people of Representative Slaton’s district put in him as an elected official, and he has rightly resigned. We are encouraged that this investigation signals that the House has entered a new era of accountability where all members will be held to the same fair and high standards.”
The resignation sets the stage for a special election, to be called by Gov. Greg Abbott, to fill Slaton’s House seat. That election will take place in the summer following the conclusion of the regular legislative session at the end of this month.
State Rep. Andrew Murr (R–Kerrville), the chair of the House General Investigating Committee, says despite the resignation, he will continue with the expulsion on Tuesday.
“Though Representative Slaton has submitted his resignation from office, under Texas law he is considered to be an officer of this state until a successor is elected and takes the oath of office to represent Texas House District,” said Murr.
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