House Democrats Open Inquiry Into Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Representative-elect Poindexter of Ohio

The House Democrats' campaign arm is investigating an allegation of sexual harassment against Brian Poindexter, a Democrat elected last week to represent a congressional district in northeastern Ohio.

Julie Merz, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement on Friday that the organisation had hired an independent, third-party firm to investigate any instance of inappropriate behaviour, conduct interviews and gather the facts. She said the committee would have more to say after the investigation was completed.

The allegation surfaced late in the race. Mr Poindexter's campaign described the woman who made it as a volunteer. An advocacy organisation for victims of sexual misconduct, on the other hand, described the woman as a low-level campaign staffer.

Neither the organisation nor the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has specified the nature of the allegation. The woman has not been identified.

Asked about the allegation, Mr Poindexter's campaign said he gave what he thought was an innocuous compliment to a volunteer.

Mr Poindexter defeated Representative Max Miller, a Republican whose ex-wife accused him of physically abusing her and their young daughter. Mr Miller denied those accusations, which were a focal point in the campaign.