Freshman Democratic Rep. Katie Hill denies allegation of relationship with staffer
Freshman Democratic Rep. Katie Hill of California on Tuesday denied an allegation that she was in a relationship with a member of her congressional office staff and said that she has notified Capitol Hill police that intimate photos of her were posted online without her consent.
“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,” Hill said in a public statement. “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.”
The statement comes days after a piece on a conservative blog alleged that Hill was involved in a relationship with Graham Kelly, her legislative director, according to Legistorm. There is no evidence of the alleged relationship.
“Allegations that I have been involved in a relationship with Mr. Kelly are absolutely false,” Hill said in her statement.
CNN has reached out to Kelly for comment.
Sexual relationships between members of Congress and their staffers are not allowed under House ethics rules.
The blog also alleged that Hill had a relationship with an unnamed female campaign staffer and included three photos of the congresswoman, including an explicit one.
“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.”
Politico was first to report on the statement.
Eva Malecki, a spokesperson for US Capitol Police, told CNN in response to a request for comment, “We do not comment on ongoing investigations.”
Hill was elected to Congress in the 2018 midterm elections, defeating a Republican incumbent to represent a swing district. She’s the vice chairwoman of the powerful House Oversight Committee.
