January 1, Congressman Resigns After Misconduct Claims

Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) has resigned from Congress more than 12 months after a former lobbyist accused him of sexual misconduct.

“After almost 12 years in Congress, today is my last day,” Reed said during remarks on the House floor. “It has been an honor to serve with you all from both parties. I love this institution, as it still exemplifies what is best about our government. We are the people’s House.”

Last March, The Washington Post published a story wherein former lobbyist Nicolette Davis accused Reed of sexually harassing her in 2017. The New York lawmaker issued a statement apologizing to Davis and saying he would not run for elected office in 2022.

“Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility,” Reed said.

“Upon entering treatment in 2017, I recognized that I am powerless over alcohol. I am now approaching four years of that personal lifelong journey of recovery,” he added.

Reed did not mention the incident in his resignation announcement this week, but he did call for an end to “petty political posturing.”

“It is time for petty political posturing to end. Leadership must emerge, and in God I trust, his divine protection will extend again if only we acknowledge and accept his love, and the divine spark that exists in each of us as citizens of our great nation,” Reed said from the House floor.

“I humbly bid farewell and submit my resignation as a member of the House. And I wish you all Godspeed.”

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Republican lawmaker announces resignation from Congress following sexual misconduct claims