Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Wednesday called for the resignation of a delegate who is accused of using a racial slur to describe a state district.
“The language of racism and hate has no place in our public discourse,” Hogan wrote on Twitter. “Any public official who engages in this reprehensible conduct should do the right thing and step down.”
Hogan’s comments came just a day after the Speaker of the Maryland state House stripped Del. Mary Ann Lisanti (D) of her leadership position over her reported use of the slur.
Lisanti, who is white, allegedly told another lawmaker at a cigar bar in late January that he was campaigning in a “n—– district” when he was door-knocking in Maryland’s Prince George’s County.
Del. Jay Walker (D), a representative of the district, told The Washington Post that he witnessed Listani make the comment.
Lisanti, a second-term state lawmaker who represents Harford County, apologized to members of the House Democratic Caucus and met with Speaker Michael Busch (D) earlier this week. She later issued a public apology on Tuesday afternoon for her “word choice.”
“I am sickened that a word that is not in my vocabulary came out of my mouth,” Lisanti said in a statement. “It does not represent my belief system, my life’s work or what is my heart.”
The Post noted that Lisanti did not recall using the racial slur at the January event in an interview earlier this month. When asked if she had ever used the slur, Lisanti responded, “I’m sure I have.”
“I’m sure everyone has used it,” she added. “I’ve used the f-word. I used the Lord’s name in vain.”
The Hill has reached out to Lisanti for comment.