Freshman Democratic Rep. Katie Hill (CA-24) is denying allegations that she had an improper relationship with a congressional staffer, and blamed the controversy on an “abusive husband” that she is reportedly in the process of divorcing.
The 32-year-old Hill has reached out to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to deny the allegations, according to multiple Democratic sources.
“The fact is I am going through a divorce from an abusive husband who seems determined to try to humiliate me,” Hill said in a statement to POLITICO.
“I am disgusted that my opponents would seek to exploit such a private matter for political gain. This coordinated effort to try to destroy me and people close to me is despicable and will not succeed,” she said. “I, like many women who have faced attacks like this before, am stronger than those who want me to be afraid.”
The allegations against Hill were first raised in the conservative publication RedState.org. That publication reported that Hill had an affair with her legislative director, Graham Kelly. The relationship was purportedly uncovered by Hill’s husband, Kenny Heslep. The couple is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce, and there is no proof that an improper relationship with Kelly—who also worked on Hill’s campaign—occurred.
RedState also published a nude photo of Hill and alleged that she and Kelly were both romantically involved in a consensual relationship.
In her statement, Hill vehemently denied any improper relationship with Kelly. Hill said U.S. Capitol Police are now investigating where the nude photo came from and how it was published.
“Intimate photos of me and another individual were published by Republican operatives on the internet without my consent,” Hill said in her statement. “I have notified Capitol Hill police who are investigating the situation and potential legal violations of those who posted and distributed the photos, and therefore will have no further comment on the digital materials.”
Hill said the charge that she was romantically involved with Kelly was untrue: “Allegations that I have been involved in a relationship with Mr. Kelly are absolutely false. I am saddened that the deeply personal matter of my divorce has been brought into public view and the vindictive claims of my ex have now involved the lives and reputations of unrelated parties.”
Hill, currently vice chair of the Oversight Committee, said she intends to remain in Congress.
“This smear campaign will not get in the way of the work I am doing every day to move our district and our country forward. I am truly grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from colleagues and constituents alike, and I know we will get through this together,” Hill said.
Under House rules, members “may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under the supervision of the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, or who is an employee of a committee on which the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner serves.”
