Florida Democratic Party Chairman Resigns Over Demeaning Behavior

Stephen Bittel, the Florida Democratic Party chairman, resigned after anonymous allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior, the Associated Press reported. His resignation on Friday comes after four candidates for governor said he should step down.

The party posted on Twitter a brief statement from Bittel, who had held the position since January.

“When my personal situation becomes distracting to our core mission of electing Democrats and making Florida better, it is time for me to step aside,” Bittel said. “I apologize for all who have felt uncomfortable during my tenure at the Democratic Party.”

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and businessman Chris King called on Bittel to resign in response to a Politico report quoting anonymous women saying that Bittel would leer at them, make comments about their appearances or breasts and exhibit other behavior that made them uncomfortable, the AP reported.

None of the women said he groped or assaulted them.

Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala, who is running for governor, is being investigated by the Senate over anonymous allegations of harassment and groping. He has denied the allegations.

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