Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) tweeted about Johnson’s death, saying: “I cannot imagine his pain or the heartbreak his family is dealing with.”
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) said he was saddened by the news of Johnson’s death, writing on Twitter: “My heart breaks for his family … May God indeed shed His grace on us all.”
Bevin also called for an end to “all the nasty, vulgar comments & other despicable responses to the news.”
The accusations against Johnson came as dozens of high-profile men have been fired or have resigned from their jobs in politics, media, entertainment and business after facing allegations of sexually harassing or assaulting women and men.
They include Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and broadcaster Charlie Rose.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) both said last week that they would leave Congress over sexual misconduct allegations. On Thursday, several Republicans said that Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) will not seek reelection next year. Farenthold is under scrutiny for allegations that he sexually harassed female staff members and created a hostile work environment.
In Kentucky, other House Republicans facing scandal in recent months remain in the state legislature. Former Kentucky House speaker Jeff Hoover, after admitting he paid to settle a sexual harassment claim made by a woman in his office, resigned from his leadership position last month but is still a state representative. Three other lawmakers involved in the secretive settlement lost their committee chairmanships but also still serve as representatives.
It wasn’t the first time leaders called for Johnson to step down. In 2016, while running for office, he posted racist photos on his Facebook page that compared President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama to monkeys. He disregarded the calls for him to drop out of the race — and won.