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by | Dec 19, 2023 | Fuchsia

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Michael Zabel (born January 16, 1978) is an American politician. He served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 163rd district from 2019 to 2023.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Zabel defeated Jamie Santora in the 163rd district in 2018, receiving 15,000 votes.[1]

In 2023, a union lobbyist accused Zabel of sexual harassment, filing a complaint with the House Ethics Committee.[2] After the first accusation, two more allegations emerged against Zabel in the following days. Previously in 2018, Zabel's campaign manager accused him of inappropriately touching her. At the time, she reported it to Democratic party leaders, but did not go public until the allegations from the lobbyist were made. The same day the campaign manager's allegations were made public, an article on a conservative news site relayed a story from an anonymous female lawmaker who said she was followed to her car by Zabel after rejecting his advances.[3][4] The lawmaker later identified herself as State Representative Abby Major.[5] Zabel resisted calls to resign because of the allegations, and said he would seek treatment for his "illness."[6] He later reversed his earlier statement and announced he would resign from office effective March 16, 2023.[7]

Personal life

He is married to Lauren Zabel and has two children. They live in the Drexel Hill neighborhood of Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania.[8]

References

  1. ^ Tustin, Kevin (November 7, 2018). "Dem Zabel knocks off GOP incumbent Rep. Santora in 163rd". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  2. ^ Caruso, Stephen (March 1, 2023). "Lobbyist says she was sexually harassed by Pa. lawmaker Mike Zabel, calls on him to resign". Spotlight PA. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  3. ^ McGoldrick, Gillian (March 3, 2023). "A Delco House Democrat was accused of sexual misconduct. Here's what you should know". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  4. ^ Caruso, Stephen (March 1, 2023). "Lobbyist says she was sexually harassed by Pa. lawmaker Mike Zabel, calls on him to resign". Spotlight PA.
  5. ^ McGoldrick, Gillian (March 8, 2023). "Pa. GOP lawmaker accuses Rep. Mike Zabel of sexually harassing her". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Spotlight PA Staff (March 3, 2023). "Pa. lawmaker accused of sexual harassment says he won't resign, will seek treatment for 'illness'". Spotlight PA. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  7. ^ Caruso, Stephen (March 8, 2023). "PA lawmaker accused of sexual harassment will resign". Spotlight PA. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  8. ^ "Meet Mike". Mike Zabel for Delaware County.
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