David A. Lieb and the Associated Press have led the way in covering sexual harassment and misconduct in statehouses since 2017—tracking allegations against sitting lawmakers, new or strengthened workplace policies, and training requirements in legislatures across the country.
When a Virginia lawmaker gave a floor speech detailing warnings she had received about which male colleagues to avoid being alone with, it became clear the time had come to revisit the issue with a wide lens.
Statehouse reporters across the nation contributed data that formed the backbone of the text story and supported visuals for graphics created by Kevin Vineys. First-person accounts and perspectives from lawmakers, gathered by Isabella Volmert, Olivia Diaz, Claire Rush, and others, brought a human dimension to the numbers.
Sal Christ worked closely with Volmert, who wrote the story. Stephanie Scarborough and Jenny Kane contributed powerful photographs, and Noreen Nasir produced a compelling video package.
The result was another strong example of AP’s leadership in documenting the lingering effects of harassment in American politics—and a clear demonstration of how AP’s unique 50-state footprint enables storytelling no other outlet can match.
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