Scandal brings election risk for rising Democratic star

AGUA DULCE, Calif. (AP) — California Rep. Katie Hill is a rising Democratic star, but a looming congressional investigation into her private life has put her re-election at risk.

The 32-year-old congresswoman has acknowledged an affair with a young female campaign staffer. And a congressional committee is looking into an unsubstantiated claim that she had an intimate relationship with a male senior aide on her House staff, which would violate House rules.

Hill denies that relationship. Meantime, she also is embroiled in a bitter divorce with a husband she claims was abusive.

Voters in her district north of Los Angeles appear divided, reflecting loyalties in a swing district.

Salon owner Susan Slates, a Democrat, says she’s disappointed but is sticking with Hill. Liquor store owner Danny Hawara says Hill is a bad role model and should leave office.