SACRAMENTO — California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman is resigning following sexual misconduct allegations.
Bauman announced his decision Thursday, hours after Governor-elect Gavin Newsom called for him to step aside.
Bauman released a statement that does not specifically address the allegations against him. He says he’s come to the realization that resigning is in everyone’s best interest “in order for those to whom I may have caused pain to heal,” for his own health, and the good of the Democratic Party.
Bauman Seeks Alcohol Treatment
Bauman said Wednesday he is seeking treatment for alcohol abuse and other health issues. He narrowly won the party chairmanship in May 2017.
The incoming Democratic governor said in a statement Thursday that he was so troubled by the serious allegations that Bauman should resign even as the investigation continues.
Los Angeles Times Article Cited
Party vice-chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall accused Bauman, the party’s first openly gay chairman, of sexual harassment and assault against unnamed victims last week.
Newsom cited a subsequent Los Angeles Times article describing allegations of crude comments and inappropriate physical touching by Bauman.
