U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, a Republican from the Corning area whose 23rd District includes a portion of Tioga County, said Sunday he will not run for re-election in 2022 nor seek the GOP nod to run for New York governor in 2022 as he has said previuosly he was seriously considering.
His announcement comes after a Washington Post story that Nicolette Davis, 25, a former lobbyist for an insurance company, accused Reed of inappropriate behavior at an Irish pub in Minneapolis in 2017 after a day of ice fishing.
Reed, 45, announced Sunday he will not be running for any elected office in 2022. Reed did not mention the timing of his announcement coming almost immediately after Davis’ published accusation in the newspaper, but said he was fulfilling a pledge when first elected to Congress in 2010 that he would only serve six terms (12 years) and therefore will be retiring from public service on January 2, 2023. Reed had called for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign after the Democratic governor was accused by several women of harassment.
About the misconduct, Reed stated: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
