Kansas Democratic lawmaker arrested twice in a month

Kansas State Rep. Aaron Coleman was brought into custody for the second time this month after allegedly driving drunk Saturday near Lawrence, Kansas.

He was also arrested on Oct. 30, following allegations of domestic battery. "He allegedly pushed, hit and spit on his 18-year-old brother in a fight that erupted because the brother was going to get baptized, according to court documents," according to the Associated Press.

Coleman was out on bond after the October incident when he was arrested on Interstate 70 at around 1 a.m. Saturday, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. He was bailed out within hours.

He has been facing calls to resign since before he assumed office. During his 2020 campaign, accusations surfaced of Coleman's reported history of abusive behavior, and an ex-girlfriend says she was slapped and choked by Coleman. Seven Kansas Democratic lawmakers called for the incumbent representative to resign. 

At the time of his first arrest, Kansas House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer (D-Wichita) said, "His constituents and the State of Kansas would be better served if he were to resign and get the help he badly needs." 

The 21-year-old Democratic lawmaker is facing even more calls to resign.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman (R) and Gov. Laura Kelly (D) both are pressuring the lawmaker, whose district covers part of Kansas City, to resign. Kelly says the latest incident "is further evidence that he is not fit to serve in the Kansas House of Representatives."