ENDWELL, NY (WSKG) — Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) said in a statement Sunday evening he will not seek re-election in 2022 as a result of sexual misconduct claims reported by the Washington Post.
In the statement, Reed apologized to Nicolette Davis, a lobbyist for Aflac, who claims he rubbed her shoulders and unhooked her bra while drunk at a bar following a fishing trip in 2017. In a statement last week, Reed said the allegations were “not accurate.”
“In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant,” Reed said. “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 also acknowledged he was struggling with alcohol at the time and had entered treatment in 2017.
In addition to not seeking another term in Congress, Reed will also abandon exploring a 2022 bid for New York Governor.
Reed was first elected to the House in 2010 replacing Rep. Eric Massa, who had resigned in March of that year amid sexual harassment allegations.