After being accused of sexual misconduct, Congressmen Tom Reed says he will not run for political office next year.
Reed is up for re-election next year and had said he was considering a run for governor.
This follows a recent report where former lobbyist Nicolette Davis accused Reed of unhooking her bra at a bar in 2017.
While Reed initially said the account was inaccurate, he formally apologized to Davis, his family, and constituents on Sunday.
The congressman says he was struggling with alcohol issues at the time and entered treatment later that year.
He said, in part: "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."
Reed also promised to make amends by helping others dealing with addiction.
He previously floated the idea of running for governor after he slammed Cuomo’s response to the nursing home deaths reporting scandal.
Reed represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, covering areas from outside Buffalo to Binghamton and the Finger Lakes.
He’ll officially retire from that office on January 2, 2023.