North Carolina legislator won’t resign despite allegations

RALEIGH, N.C. – A North Carolina state legislator says he won’t step down even though fellow Democrats —including Gov. Roy Cooper — called on him to resign following a media report in which people said he made unwanted sexual advances.

Rep. Duane Hall of Raleigh sent a statement over the weekend to WUNC radio saying he’ll defend his reputation and accused “a tiny far-left element” in the Democratic Party of seeking to finish him off.

NC Policy Watch’s report last week identified a Democratic campaign aide saying Hall made inappropriate sexual remarks to her. The report also quoted witnesses saying he kissed two women without their consent at public events.

He admitted to The News & Observer of Raleigh inappropriately kissing one woman but denied harassment allegations. Hall has a primary in May.