WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A Western New York congressman who said he would be retiring after his current term in Washington is leaving much earlier than that.
Congressman Tom Reed, a Republican representing the southern tier, told colleagues on the House floor Tuesday that he was resigning that day.
Reed said he's taking a job at Prime Policy Group, a government relations and public relations firm in Washington.
2 On Your Side asked Reed in an interview on Tuesday why he's resigning now, and not at the end of his term.
"We are in this political season and legislatively it was clear to me getting something done substantially in Washington, DC was next to impossible and we wanted to move to the next chapter," Reed said.
Reed was serving his sixth term in Congress and announced in 2021 that he wouldn't seek another, days after he was accused of sexual misconduct by a former lobbyist.
Speaking to colleagues Tuesday, Reed warned against "petty political posturing" and called for unity - while thanking those who elected him.
"My most profound appreciation is for the people of Western New York," Reed said. Thank you for giving a country lawyer, the youngest of twelve, raised by a single mother whose father passed away when he was just two years old, the honor of representing you at the highest level. Only in America can such a dream come true."
With Reed's seat empty, the governor can call for a special election to fill it for the rest of his term until the new year. However, that may not happen with the uncertainty over the new district lines still playing out in court. 2 On Your Side reached out to the governor's office for a response and hasn't heard back.
