Mayor denies misconduct allegations; continuing Congress run
HOLYOKE, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts mayor denied allegations of sexual misconduct and vowed to continue his congressional run.
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said in a statement Sunday night that he has “never had a non-consensual sexual encounter with anyone” and never used his positions as mayor or as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for "romantic or sexual gain, or to take advantage of students.”
Student Democrats in Massachusetts have accused him of having sexual contact with students and seeking them out on dating apps and social media.
They said they notified Morse last week he would no longer be welcome at events hosted by the College Democrats of Massachusetts, UMass Amherst Democrats or the Amherst College Democrats.
The university, in response, said Saturday it had launched an investigation into allegations Morse had used his position at the university to foster inappropriate relationships with students over the course of several years.
Morse has acknowledged having “consensual adult relationships" with college students and apologized to "anyone I have made feel uncomfortable.”
He said Sunday he expects a full investigation will clear his name, but said it was “unfortunate” it likely won't be resolved before voters head to the polls on Sept. 1.
The 31-year-old Democrat is challenging U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, a fellow Democrat who chairs the powerful House and Ways Committee, for the state’s First Congressional District seat that covers much of western Massachusetts. The state’s primary election is Sept. 1.
Neal’s campaign didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Monday.
Morse has been a rising star in Massachusetts politics. He was elected in 2011 as one of the state’s first openly gay mayors and also...