In a recent development, Janelle Bynum, a Democratic candidate vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon, finds herself embroiled [1] in serious allegations.
She is accused of neglecting to address and report child sexual abuse allegations within her campaign staff.
The troubling accusations stem from events that transpired during the 2022 campaign cycle, specifically involving a minor who volunteered for Bynum’s campaign.
According to a formal complaint, Bynum allegedly failed to take appropriate action upon being informed of the distressing claims.
Furthermore, the complaint suggests that she reacted dismissively and purportedly intimidated the individual who brought forward the concerns.
But Bynum is not the lone figure caught in the controversy.
The complaint implicates Dan Rayfield, a candidate for Attorney General, and Julie Fahey, Speaker of the House, both Democrats, accusing them of similarly neglecting their duties to report the allegations to the authorities as mandated by state law.
Oregon law unequivocally requires any public or private official, who suspects a child has been abused or comes into contact with someone who might have abused a child, to report these suspicions immediately.
The law aims to ensure quick and effective responses to protect victims of abuse. The complaint detailed, “During the 2024 primary election, I was approached with allegations against Rep. Bynum and her deliberate omission in addressing a sexual assault against a minor volunteer during her 2022 campaign. Given that legislators are obligated to report such instances, Bynum’s disregard, coupled with her threats against the whistleblower, raises significant concerns.”
In response to the accusations, a representative of Bynum’s campaign strongly refuted these claims, dismissing them as character assassination.
They sought to clarify that Bynum had, in fact, escalated the issue to the accuser’s employer, Future PAC, immediately after learning of it post-election season.
Future PAC, a political committee focused on promoting Democrats for the state House, was where Dan Rayfield and Julie Fahey served as directors. Expectations were set for Future PAC to address and resolve these accusations diligently and uphold the well-being and security of their workers.
Failure on their part to meet these expectations would be viewed unfavorably.
Amid these revelations, two former staff members allege they had directly reported the inappropriate sexual behavior committed by a field organizer to Bynum and others, but their concerns were ostensibly ignored.
The complaint was filed by Kelie McWilliams, who was associated with Jamie McLeod-Skinner, Bynum’s Democratic opponent, as her campaign manager and was employed by FuturePAC during the contentious period.
McWilliams recounted interactions with the underage victim, affirming the latter’s account of sexual assault by a staff member while volunteering for the campaign.
Further, dialogue exchanges suggest an apparent reluctance from Bynum to address these grave allegations.
🚨@LChavezDeRemer [2] reacts to @Bynum4thewin [3] turning a blind eye to allegations of sexual harassment of a minor:
“It speaks to the failed leadership of supporting oftentimes the perpetrator as opposed to the victim… It’s a disturbing pattern.” pic.twitter.com/90A1SQ5NA1 [4]
— NRCC (@NRCC) October 9, 2024 [5]
In texts exchanged with Conner Carroll, a former campaign manager, Bynum’s indifference becomes evident—underscored by her explicit request to not be sent any information on the allegations.
Confronted with these accusations, Bynum’s current electoral rival, Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer, expressed her dismay.
Highlighting the critical responsibility of a mandatory reporter to involve law enforcement promptly, Chavez-DeRemer criticized the failure to act decisively.
According to her, the issue transcends mere procedural oversight and speaks volumes about the leadership’s misplaced priorities, often at the expense of the victims.
As the political landscape in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District braces itself for the upcoming electoral battle, these allegations bring to the fore important questions about accountability, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and the moral imperatives expected of public servants.