Republican Tom Reed on Sunday has announced that he will not run for reelection in 2022 and has apologised to the lobbyist Nicolette Davis who last week accused him of inappropriately touching her without her consent in 2017.  

Davis alleged that the Republican rubbed her back, unhooked her bra, and moved his hand to her thigh without her consent at a Minneapolis bar as reported by The Washington Post. She was working for the insurer company Aflac. 

“A drunk congressman is rubbing my back,” she texted a co-worker at Aflac that evening, adding later, “HELP HELP.”

Also Read: NY Governor Andrew Cuomo accused by current aide of inappropriate behaviour

In a statement released by Tom Reed, he says the incident involving the female lobbyist happened “at a time in my life in which I was struggling” and had entered treatment that year. He had realized that he was “powerless over alcohol,” reported AP. 

Reed was first elected to Congress in 2010. 

He apologised to his wife, kids and to Nicolette. He further said that he plans “to dedicate my time and attention to making amends for my past actions.”

Republican Tom was one of the members of Congress calling for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation who is also facing multiple sexual harassment allegations against him. 

Also Read: Former Albany reporter accuses Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment

In late February, Reed had said he was seriously considering running for governor in 2022. 

Even though Reed gave a statement on Friday which said “This account of my actions is not accurate,” in his statement on Sunday he said, “In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant. Simply put, my behaviour caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility.”