Congressman Tom Reed, a Republican congressman from the state of New York, said on Sunday that he would not run for re-election – or for governor next year – after allegations that he molested a lobbyist four years ago.
Reed also apologized to Nicolette Davis, who told the Washington Post last week that the congressman was targeting her with unwanted sexual advances at a Minneapolis bar in 2017.
“Simply put, my behavior caused pain, showed disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I’m sorry and I take full responsibility,” said Reed in a statement.
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The lawmaker – who claimed on Friday that Davis’ report was incorrect – said on Sunday that the incident occurred when he was struggling with alcohol addiction, for which he later received treatment.
“In addition to apologizing to those I made an impact on, including Ms. Davis, I will seek to help those struggling with addiction in every way I can,” said Reed.
“As I move forward, I will strive to be a better human being, to continue to fight for what I believe in and to make people’s lives better in every way I can. I hope this formal apology is just the beginning.”
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Reed, 49, is married to his college girlfriend, Jean, with whom he has two children. Former mayor of his hometown, Corning, he has served in Congress since 2011.
He recently indicated that he was considering challenging Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2022, saying the scandal-stricken three-term Democrat “needs to be withdrawn”.
Instead, Reed said he will retire from public service when his term ends in January 2023.
To read more from the New York Post, click here.