Nebraska Sen. Dan McKeon faces expulsion after being charged with disturbing the peace over a patting incident; he denies wrongdoing and claims the move is politically driven.

Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon defended himself at a press conference amid a recommendation to expel him from the legislature following allegations of inappropriate contact at a spring party. He denied wrongdoing, saying he patted a female colleague on the back in a coaching-style gesture while joking about travel plans. The Lancaster County Attorney’s Office charged him with disturbing the peace, not public indecency or assault. McKeon, who entered a not guilty plea, said the push for expulsion is politically motivated and emphasized support from constituents. His lawyer noted he apologized, completed sensitivity training, and relocated his office. The final decision rests with the full legislature, which will vote during its January session.