Top state Democratic lawmakers, including DFL Gov. Tim Walz, are calling on state Rep. John Thompson to resign following reports of domestic violence allegations in his past.

The four domestic assault cases, spanning a period between 2003 and 2009, included allegations that Thompson punched and choked women, sometimes in the presence of children. FOX 9 first reported the allegations Friday night.

"The alleged acts of violence against multiple women outlined in these reports are serious and deeply disturbing," Walz said in a statement. "Minnesotans deserve representatives of the highest moral character, who uphold our shared values. Rep. Thompson can no longer effectively be that leader and he should immediately resign."

Thompson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The first-term Democrat, who represents a district on the east side of St. Paul, has been in the spotlight since he was stopped by police while driving July 4.