New York is no stranger to political scandal. Network executives from CNN and Time join a long list of career politicians forced to step down in recent years.
The list includes Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and, as of Tuesday, Rep. Tom Reed.
Reed has been fighting sexual misconduct charges for more than a year. He announced his immediate resignation from Congress on the House floor, saying:
“After almost 12 years in Congress, today is my last day. 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.”
In August 2021, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation concerning a March claim accusing Reed of sexual misconduct with a former lobbyist Nicolette Davis.
The Daily Wire reported that Davis accused Reed of “putting his hands on her back and unhooking her bra during a 2017 outing at a pub with other lobbyists.”
The Washington Post first broke the story, which a guest at Reed’s table corroborated.
The source confirmed Davis’ story and noted that the Congressman was “visibly intoxicated” and later escorted from the event.
The Daily Wire report notes that Reed had “previously announced he was not running for reelection in the November midterms.”
Punchbowl News first reported Reed’s resignation. That platform noted that Reed would be joining Prime Policy Group, a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C.
The Washington Post noted that Reed responded to the allegation through his office by saying: “This account of my actions is not accurate.” Reed later publicly apologized to Davis saying:
“I apologize to Nicolette Davis. Even though I am only hearing of this matter as stated by Ms. Davis in the article now, I hear her voice and will not dismiss her. In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant.”
Reed continued, “Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility. I further apologize to my wife and kids, my family, the people of the 23rd District, my colleagues, and those who have supported me for the harm this caused them.”
Reed added:
“[And] I want to share that this occurred at a time in my life in which I was struggling. 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.”
Reed concluded: “With the support of my wife, kids and loved ones, professional help, and trust in a higher power, I continue that journey day-by-day. This is in no way an excuse for anything I’ve done. Consistent with my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this amends and humbly apologize again to Ms. Davis, my wife and kids, loved ones, and to all of you.”
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