Rep. Nico Rios (R-Williston) undergoes field sobriety tests) Williston Police Dept.
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor (R-Dickinson) has called for the resignation of Representative Nico Rios (R-Williston) following comments made by Rios during a recent DUI arrest in Williston. The comments were described by law enforcement as “verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive, and discriminatory.” Police body camera video shows Rios also attempted to use his position as a lawmaker to intimidate police and avoid an arrest.
“I am extremely disappointed in Rep. Rios’ actions. After discussions with House leadership and the state Republican Party, I have asked for his resignation. There is no room in the legislature, or our party, for this behavior. I understand people make mistakes, but his comments and defiance to law enforcement are beyond the pale. In addition, any lawmaker attempting to use his or her elected position to threaten anyone or skirt the law is completely unacceptable,” said Lefor.
The North Dakota Republican Party agreed with Leader Lefor’s position calling for Rios to resign. “Rep. Rios’ actions and words fall short of the basic decency we expect from any of our neighbors. He endangered the community he was elected to serve and disrespected peace officers. This violates our core values as Republicans. I support the House Leader’s decision to call for his resignation,” said North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandra Sanford.
“While I hope Rep Rios will learn from this incident, we must hold our elected officials to a higher standard of conduct in the interest of both public safety and our unwavering support of law enforcement,” said John Trandem, First Vice Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party, “I completely support Leader Lefor asking Rios to resign.”
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