BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tom Reed says he will not be running for any elected office in 2022 two days after former lobbyist Nicolette Davis accused him of sexual misconduct in the Washington Post.
Reed made the announcement Sunday evening in a statement. Reed was elected to Congress in 2010 and had pledged to voters to only serve six terms, the sixth of which he's serving now.
"As I go forward, I will strive to be a better human being, continue to fight for what I believe in, and to make people’s lives better in any way I can. I hope this formal apology is just the start," he said.
In the Washington Post article, Davis said the incident happened at a restaurant in Minneapolis in 2017 when she was 25 and the congressman was 45.
According to Davis, the congressman rubbed her back, put his hand outside her blouse, and unhooked her bra strap. She also told the Post that he moved his hand to her thigh and was inching upward.
Davis told the Washington Post that she asked the person sitting next to her for help and that the person eventually pulled the congressman away from the table and out of the restaurant.
Reed declined to be interviewed Friday when the story was published but said, "This account of my actions is not accurate."
Sunday evening, he issued a statement that started with an apology to Davis and attempted to shed light on what happened.
“First, 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. 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 goes on to state that at the time of the incident he was struggling with alcoholism, for which he sought treatment.
“Second, 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. 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.”
He concludes by promising to make amends for past actions and encourages others to seek out help if they need it.
“Third, I plan to dedicate my time and attention to making amends for my past actions. In addition to apologizing to those I have impacted, including Ms. Davis, I will be seeking to help those wrestling with addiction in any way I can. To others who may be struggling the way I have, please know that by seeking help your life will be forever changed in an extremely positive way. Though the journey is hard please know the rewards are amazing and you are worth it.”
Reed, who had been considering a run for Governor next year, had been staunchly critical of Governor Cuomo, calling for his resignation after now 8 women have accused the Governor of sexual harassment or unwanted touching.
Cuomo has called those allegations lodged by those women false, while staunchly refusing to step down.
New York GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy issued a comment in response to Reed's statement:
“I commend Tom Reed for taking real accountability for his actions. I believe he has made the right decision and I hope that this can bring some peace for Ms. Davis, who made very serious allegations that deserved to be heard. I wish Congressman Reed continued strength in his recovery from alcohol dependence and all the best for his family."