Bynum campaign denies Fox story on 2022 campaign harassment

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Oregon 5th Congressional District candidate Janelle Bynum said a Fox News Digital report she downplayed sexual harassment allegations against a man working for her campaign two years ago are false and a smear tactic.

Bynum, a state representative challenging incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is in a tight race for the seat that could possibly decide who controls the House of Representatives in the next Congress. Even a few votes swayed by this report could make a difference in November.

The story from Fox News Digital accuses Bynum of "failing to be a mandatory reporter of allegations against a man working for a PAC that staffed her state representative campaign in 2022."

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Bynum's campaign said, in part, "This attempt to smear Rep. Bynum is not based in reality. … She flagged these allegations directly to the accuser's employer, Future PAC, as soon as she was made aware of them."

Chavez-DeRemer sent a statement as well: "I am deeply concerned by reports that my opponent dismissed sexual assault committed by someone who worked for her campaign. Oregonians deserve honest transparency from their government throughout this process."

Bynum herself is not implicated in any sexual harassment.

Her campaign provided an email from State Legislative Equity Officer Bor Yang from September 20 that stated, "You are not being investigated by the Legislative Equity Office."

The Oregon State Police confirmed they have received the complaint about the campaign staffer and are investigating, but would not comment further since it remains an active investigation.

Tuesday, Bynum and Chavez-DeRemer will meet in a televised debate hosted by KOIN 6 News. The debate will begin at 7 p.m.

Stay with KOIN 6 News, Your Local Election Headquarters.