Jeff Hoover

Overview

Kentucky Republican House Speaker Jeff Hoover resigned his leadership role in January 2018 after secretly settling a sexual-harassment claim brought by a legislative staffer. Three other GOP House members joined the $110,000 confidential settlement.

Description

On October 25, 2017, Hoover and Representatives Jim DeCesare, Brian Linder, and Michael Meredith jointly paid $110,000 to settle a sexual-harassment claim from a woman who had worked for the House Republican Caucus. Hoover later acknowledged sending the woman inappropriate but ‘consensual’ text messages, including a request for photos of herself wearing ‘a black lace g string.’ After the settlement became public on November 1, Hoover announced his intent to resign as Speaker; he formally stepped down on January 8, 2018. Eight of his Republican colleagues filed disciplinary charges seeking his removal from the House. Hoover retained his seat through the end of his term but did not seek re-election in 2020.