‘I apologized for my joke’: Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon issues apology following resignation request
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Nebraska state senator accused of public indecency issued an apology on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for an incident during the Sine Die gathering at the Lincoln Country Club in May.
SEE ALSO: State senator accused of public indecency during party at Lincoln Country Club
A woman reported that State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst inappropriately touched her, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
After an investigation, the patrol cited McKeon on suspicion of public indecency, a Class II misdemeanor.
In a press release on Tuesday, McKeon said the following:
“I have taken responsibility for attempting humor in the wrong moment and tone. I am sorry for that. But I did not engage in sexual misconduct, much less public lewd fondling or caressing. Most of my constituents enjoy my sense of humor. Respectfully, the escalation of this into persons calling for resignation of my seat, of which the Governor would make a political appointment against the will of the voters in my district, is unfair and frankly inappropriate in light of the facts. I apologized for my joke and a pat on the back, but I will NOT resign. I answer to God, my family and the voters of my community — and they will decide my future, not extreme liberals trying to manipulate the public with Facebook ads, or other political opportunists. I expect all Nebraskans who believe in the Constitution and rule of law to continue their support.”
In July, McKeon sent an apology letter to the woman. The full letter can be found below:
“I’m deeply sorry for my actions at the end of session when we were visiting that offended you. I was saying it in a joking manner, and I know that alcohol had some influence, but that’s no excuse. The Lord knows we are all sinners, and we make mistakes. I will learn from this going forward as a freshman Senator in the Nebraska State Legislature. A verse in the bible that I know that I need to review often is to understand forgiveness.
From Colossians 3:13-15 – Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your fives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
I’m very hopeful you can accept my apology. God is still working on me and I know he is here for all of us. God bless and hope your summer is going well. – Senator Dan McKeon.”
McKeon finished his statement with an affirmation to his constituents:
“I made a mistake in tone, not in intent. I apologized for my joke. I have worked every day to live my faith and serve our state honorably. This political theater has gone too far, and the truth matters. I will continue doing my job and representing the hardworking Nebraskans — farmers, families and people of faith — who elected me to stand up for them.”
You can read Tuesday’s complete statement below:
1103 2025 News Release Senator McKeon Statement and Release of July Apology for Joke (3)
At a press conference on Monday announcing a new state treasurer, Gov. Jim Pillen said he called for McKeon’s resignation.
“This is a serious offense,” Pillen said. “It’s a misdemeanor offense, it’s serious, it’s unacceptable. I called the senator Friday evening and asked for his resignation.”
Pillen continued, saying he wouldn’t repeat what McKeon told him.
“I’m not going to say what he said; I’m just waiting for his resignation,” he said. “It’s best for his family. It’s unacceptable for the people of District 41 and for the state of Nebraska. He has to resign.”
Also on Monday, Nebraska attorney Perry Pirsch released a statement on behalf of McKeon, calling the accusations “blatantly false” and “political theater.”
You can read that statement below:
