Michael Padilla Facing Calls To Drop NM Lieutenant Governor Bid

SANTA FE, NM — Democratic state Sen. Michael Padilla is being urged to drop out of the race for New Mexico lieutenant governor over two federal lawsuits accused him of sexually harassing women while managing an Albuquerque emergency call center in 2006.

Padilla, an up and coming star in the Democratic Party who has garnered national attention for tackling poverty, is now fighting for his political future after The Associated Press began asking elected officials about the cases.

Albuquerque settled claims linked to a sexually hostile work environment. Padilla has long denied the accusations.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who's running for New Mexico governor, said last week that Padilla should exit the lieutenant governor race because of the old cases.

At least two female political leaders have pulled endorsements.

By MORGAN LEE and RUSSELL CONTRERAS, Associated Press

Photo credit: Eric Draper/Associated Press