‘This Is What Accountability Looks Like’: GOP Rep. Tom Reed Apologies, Announces Retirement Amid Misconduct Claims

Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, announced Sunday he will not seek reelection or run for governor next year following allegations of sexual abuse. He also apologized to former Washington, D.C., lobbyist Nicolette Davis, who told The Washington Post last week that a drunken Reed had made unwanted sexual advances toward her.

“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 said in his statement, adding that he had entered treatment the same year as the alleged advances occurred. He said he realized he was “powerless over alcohol” and also apologized to his wife and children.

Reed had been among the many members of Congress calling for Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation over sexual harassment allegations. In late February, Reed said he was considering a run for governor should Cuomo seek a fourth term in 2022.

Twitter users were quick to comment on Reed’s decision, some, such as Christine Pelosi, applauding his courage:

This is what accountability looks like. Good on Tom Reed – may others take heed! #WeSaidEnough https://t.co/PHdHyo4uK9

— Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) March 22, 2021

Congressman Lee Zeldin, R-New York, also pointed out the contrast between Reed’s decision and Cuomo’s denials of culpability, adding #CuomosGottaGo:

Night & day contrast between Tom Reed’s detailed statement & Andrew Cuomo denying any responsibility for all allegations against him, attacks his accusers, & attacks all who believe his accusers…All of this on top of Cuomo’s deadly nursing home order & cover-up. #CuomosGottaGo

— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) March 22, 2021

But others, including CNN’s Elliot Williams, were less than affirming in their tweets:

You know, one solution — this might sound crazy, but hear me out here — is just to elect a woman to be governor of New Yorkhttps://t.co/QulTsD6D45

— Elliot Williams (@elliotcwilliams) March 19, 2021

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