District 10 Senator David Niezgodski provides statement on recent allegations

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Indiana District 10 Democratic State Senator David Niezgodski provided a written statement Tuesday in response to recent allegations of sexual harassment against him dating back to 2017.

Niezgodski's statement reads: "Seven years ago, my wife and I were trying to keep a valued employee with whom we had a personal friendship at our family business, and I should have handled matters in a better way. In retrospect, I regret how I acted seven years ago and take full responsibility for causing any pain or discomfort. This private personnel matter was addressed mutually and confidentially by both parties. I have no intention of violating this and I'm going to honor, respect and abide by that. For nearly two decades, I have focused every day on fighting for working families in Indiana. I am proud of my record as a champion for organized labor, for the right to choose, and for finding solutions to the challenges like gun violence that plague our community. Those are the fight I plan to continue in the State Senate."

Niezgodski's campaign declined to answer any questions in-person regarding the article or his alleged behavior, which was first reported in an article by the Indy Star.

His opponent, St. Joseph County Treasurer Tim Swager expressed his frustration with the lack of response from local leaders on the allegations.

"Anytime someone in a position of power is so credibly accused of such a breach of trust. I think it’s incumbent on not just them, but all leaders in the community to demand accountability. And I think we all fell short there. Hopefully moving forward, we can all do better and live up to the standard reset for ourselves.” said Swager. 

The winner of the District 10 primary currently has no opposing Republican candidate reported for the district.

Niezgodski came away with the Democratic nomination, winning the primaries with 62% of the vote