Missouri lawmaker reprimanded for sexually vulgar text sent during redistricting protest
January 22, 2026
A Missouri lawmaker has been formally reprimanded for sending a sexually vulgar text to a fellow House member. Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Dean was protesting a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump when he sent the message to a Republican lawmaker last September. On Thursday, colleagues barred him from serving on House committees and ordered him to stay at least 50 feet away from the targeted lawmaker. Dean acknowledged the text was inappropriate and apologized. He is among at least 157 state lawmakers across the U.S. who have been accused of sexual misconduct or harassment since 2017, according to an Associated Press tally.