U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry announced his resignation from Congress on Saturday, two days after being convicted of three felonies and one day after top leaders called for his resignation.
In a statement released Saturday, Fortenberry said he can no longer effectively serve “due to the difficulties” of his current circumstances. He will resign from Congress on March 31.
A federal jury in Los Angeles deliberated less than two hours Thursday evening before finding the nine-term congressman guilty of lying to federal authorities about an illegal $30,000 campaign donation from a Nigerian billionaire.
Fortenberry was convicted on one count of concealing conduit campaign contributions and two counts of lying to federal agents.
Fortenberry, 61, is the highest-ranking elected official in Nebraska history to be convicted of a felony. He already was facing a challenge in the May Republican primary from State Sen. Mike Flood.
Among those calling for Fortenberry to resign Friday were Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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A special election will be held no later than 90 days after Fortenberry’s seat becomes vacant.
Felons are eligible to run for and serve in Congress, but the vast majority choose to resign under threat of expulsion. Congressional rules also bar members from voting on legislation after a felony conviction unless their constituents reelect them, the Associated Press reported.
In a statement sent Saturday, Flood thanked Fortenberry for his years of service to the district, state and nation. The statement went on, saying that by working together, the seat can be kept in Republican hands.
“We will continue the fight for our families, our economy, and our conservative values in Congress,” Flood said.
State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, who is running for Fortenberry’s seat as a Democrat, said Fortenberry’s resignation “opens the door for a new approach” to serving the congressional district.
“I am ready and able to meet that challenge and lead with integrity,” she said in a statement.
Fortenberry’s statement was sent to supporters along with a copy of the letter he sent to his colleagues in the House of Representatives.
“Thank you for entrusting me with the great responsibility of governing our nation,” he said in the emailed statement. “… It is my sincerest hope that I have made a contribution to the betterment of America, and the wellbeing of our great state of Nebraska.”
To his colleagues, Fortenberry wrote that he considers many of them to be friends.
“May God bless you as you labor for the good of our country, help those in need, and strive for what is right and just,” he said.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2022
Two people on Capitol Avenue walk east toward 14th Street on the north side of what was once Union Pacific’s headquarters Saturday.
UNO’s Maggie O’Brien celebrates a strikeout by Wichita State’s Neleigh Herring to end the first inning on Wednesday.
UNO’s Sydney Ross, (in batting helmet) and Olivia Aden, right, react to a series of walks by Wichita State in the 7th inning on Wednesday.
Bellevue West’s Josiah Dotzler (22) gets caught between Omaha Creighton Prep’s Casey OMalley (10) and Joshua Townley-Thomas (21) in the Bellevue West vs. Omaha Creighton Prep boys basketball NSAA state semifinal game in Lincoln on Thursday.
Gretna heard coach Brad Feeken talks to his team between quarters in the Millard North vs. Gretna boys basketball NSAA state semifinal game in Lincoln on Thursday. Millard North won the game 58-43.
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson gives an interview in the concourse at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.
Omaha Central’s Ital Lopuyo (22) blocks a shots by Lincoln Southwest’s Alexa Gobel (21) in the Omaha Central vs. Lincoln Southwest girls basketball NSAA state quarterfinal game in Lincoln on Monday.
Britt Prince, a sophomore and the state girls basketball scoring leader, in her home gym at Elkhorn North High School in Omaha on Thursday, March 03, 2022.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner dunks during their game against UConn at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (left) battles UConn’s Adama Sanogo for a rebound during their game at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday.
Bellevue East players celebrate their A-7 district final win against Millard North at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue on Tuesday.
Bellevue East’s Mya Skoff (right) holds her face as Jayla Wilson shoots a free throw late in the 4th quarter of their A-7 district final against Millard North at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue on Tuesday.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner celebrates after scoring in the second half of their game against UConn at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday.
Omaha firefighters battle a brush fire on the grass south of eastbound Interstate 80 on Wednesday. Traffic was restricted during that time.
Omaha firefighters battle a brush fire on the grass south of eastbound I80 on Wednesday. Traffic was restricted during that time.
Sophie Wilson and her daughter Coco walk past “David with the Head of Goliath” on Wednesday.
Sebastian Moore, 11, rides his bike around the pond, still partially covered in ice, at Benson Park in Omaha on Tuesday. Highs were in the mid-70s Tuesday afternoon.
Fremont’s McKenna Murphy cuts down her portion of the net after defeating Lincoln Southwest during a Class A state basketball tournament final at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday.
Iowa’s Max Murin celebrates a win over Northwestern’s Yahya Thomas during the 149-pound match.
Rachel Andrew sews in her workspace at her home in Lincoln on Thursday.
