The Executive Board of the Nebraska Legislature advanced a resolution Monday seeking to expel state Senator Dan McKeon over an alleged groping incident stemming from a post-session party in 2025.
According to an investigative report released last week, the Amherst lawmaker allegedly made lewd comments and touched the backside of a legislative staffer on May 29, 2025, at the Country Club of Lincoln. While the investigation found his actions did not constitute an actionable violation under nondiscrimination law, it encouraged the unicameral to consider consequences for the District 41 representative—including, but not limited to, expulsion.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to expedite Monday’s hearing, which was limited to testimony from McKeon’s attorney, Perry Pirsch, and the investigative report’s author, Tara Paulson.
Senator Ben Hansen of Blair – District 16 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)
The two-hour hearing opened with Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, chairman of the Exec. Board, outlining the resolution. Pirsch followed with a one-hour argument, encouraging lawmakers to reject the motion, asserting that expulsion is an unprecedented, election overturning penalty that shouldn’t be used in a case with a disputed record. Pirsch recommended lesser sanctions for his client, such as formal censure, removal from committee assignments, or a written no-contact directive.
If McKeon were expelled, he would become the first senator in Nebraska history to be kicked out of the unicameral.
Pirsch characterized McKeon’s interaction with the staffer as benign, admitting a “Hawaiian lei/lay” pun may have been ill-advised, while arguing the physical contact was intended as a non-sexual “coach’s pat on the back” at a work event, conceding the touch may have gone lower than intended.
Further, Pirsch said the resolution references “additional confidential complaints pending” and “not formalized” allegations against McKeon, known to the Exec. Board. He said that expulsion should not factor in such a record, and McKeon should be given the opportunity to rebut those allegations.
During his testimony, referencing text messages sent by McKeon to another staffer, asking if the accuser is “difficult to work with,” Pirsch mentioned the first name of the senator under whom the accuser works. So far, this information was not made public, as it could lead to the alleged victim being identified.
Senator John Fredrickson of Omaha – District 20 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)
Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha told Pirsch “your decision to make that person identifiable in your testimony, I think, is highly concerning. And I don’t believe that that is in the spirit of remorse.” Fredrickson also noted that McKeon and his attorney left the hearing following the conclusion of Pirsch’s testimony.
Subsequently, Paulson briefly reiterated the findings of her report, concluding that she found the complaint against McKeon to be credible. She encouraged lawmakers to consider the “totality of circumstances” when considering his removal.
The Exec. Board ultimately voted unanimously to advance the resolution—LR282—to the full body for one round of debate. That debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 13. Lawmakers will each get three chances to speak.
The resolution would require 33 votes to expel McKeon from the Unicameral.
If expelled, Gov. Jim Pillen would appoint a successor to fill the vacant District 41 seat. A special election to fulfill the two-year remainder of McKeon’s term would be held in November 2026 on the general election ballot.
In relation to the allegation, McKeon was originally charged with misdemeanor public indecency in October 2025 following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. His charges were later reduced to misdemeanor disturbing the peace, punishable by up to three months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
McKeon initially intended to enter a no-contest plea, but later pleaded not guilty, vowing to fight the charge. McKeon’s next court date is set for Jan. 26.