The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is investigating a sexual harassment allegation against Rep.-elect Brian Poindexter (D-OH) after a woman who worked on his congressional campaign earlier this year raised concerns about his conduct.

The committee confirmed Friday, November 13, that it hired an independent third-party firm to investigate the allegation, interview those involved, and gather information. DCCC Executive Director Julie Merz said the organization takes the complaint seriously and requested a "swift, thorough and transparent" investigation.

A spokesperson for Poindexter's campaign described the incident as an interaction in which the congressman-elect believed he had given a harmless compliment to a campaign volunteer. The spokesperson said Poindexter later learned the woman had felt uncomfortable and that he "felt awful" about the situation. The campaign also said it began working with an outside human resources firm after learning of the complaint.

The allegation was brought to the attention of Democratic political organizations before Election Day. The Blue Dog Political Action Committee and the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC both withdrew their endorsements of Poindexter after learning about the complaint. The groups said they were respecting the woman's request to keep her identity and the specific details of the allegation private while she considers how to proceed.

Cheyenne Hunt, executive director of Reckoning Action, an organization providing support to the woman, said the individual contacted her shortly before the election. Hunt described her as a relatively low-level campaign staffer but declined to provide additional details that could identify her. Public descriptions of the woman's role have varied, with Poindexter's campaign referring to her as a volunteer and Hunt describing her as a staffer.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was also made aware of the complaint, according to a person familiar with the discussions. His office referred questions to the DCCC, which is handling the investigation.

Poindexter defeated Republican Rep. Max Miller on November 3 in Ohio's 7th Congressional District, flipping a Republican-held seat as Democrats secured control of the House. A union ironworker and former Brook Park city councilman, Poindexter campaigned on economic issues and his working-class background. He is expected to take office in January.

The investigation comes as Democrats prepare to assume control of the chamber and welcome their incoming members. The DCCC has not announced a timeline for completing its review, and no findings have been released. The allegation remains under investigation, and Poindexter has not been accused of a criminal offense in connection with the complaint.