Rep. Tom Reed
Tom Reed: Ambitious House Lawmakers Seek Promotions Republican Party Representative Tom Reed Accused of Sexual Misconduct Democrats Pressured to Comply with “Litmus Test” Bill MORE (RN.Y.) said Sunday that he will not run for any elected office in 2022 in a statement in which he also apologized to a former lobbyist who accused him of sexual misconduct several years ago.
Reed’s statement comes after Nicolette Davis, a former lobbyist who is now an army lieutenant, told the Washington Post in a story published Friday that Reed had sexually harassed her four years ago.
Davis alleged that Reed rubbed his back and thigh and took off his bra at an Irish bar in Minnesota while working as an insurance company lobbyist, according to the newspaper.
Reed opened his statement apologizing to Davis and said, “Even though I’m only listening to this matter as Ms. Davis said now in the article, I hear her voice and I will not dismiss her.”
“On reflection, my personal representation of this event is irrelevant,” he said. “In short, my behavior caused him pain, showed disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I’m sorry, and I take full responsibility. “
Reed said the incident occurred during a time when he struggled with alcohol and has been in recovery for four years.
“This is by no means an excuse for anything I’ve done,” he said. “According to my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this modification and humbly apologize to Ms. Davis, my wife and children, loved ones, and all of you.”
In the statement he also apologized to his wife, children, family, colleagues and members of his congressional district.
Reed cited a previous vote that would only serve six terms, or twelve years, in Congress in his decision not to run for any elected office. The allegations against Reed were published after the lawmaker told Fox News he was considering running against the New York governor. Andrew Cuomo
Andrew Cuomo: The House’s ambitious lawmakers are looking for promotions New challenges arise for Biden after a strong start (D), which faces allegations of sexual misconduct by several women, issues that the state attorney general is investigating.
Davis had addressed the Post about his account in mid-February, ahead of Reed’s comments on Fox News.
Last week, Reed responded to the Post report in a statement provided by his office saying that “this account of my actions is not accurate.”
Reed said he would spend time dedicating himself to “repairing my past actions.”