Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.) announced Thursday afternoon that she supports the decision by her son Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to plead guilty and resign from his post.

“While my heart is heavy, I support Mayor Kilpatrick’s decision to do what he believes is best for his family, our family, and the citizens of Detroit,” Rep. Kilpatrick said in a statement. “I would like to thank all those who have encouraged the Mayor and our family with your prayers, cards, and other expressions of support. I ask that you continue to pray for the Mayor and his family and the city of Detroit during this difficult time.”

Mayor Kilpatrick pleaded guilty this morning to two charges of lying in federal court and will serve four months in jail in addition to paying a $1 million fine.

Kilpatrick made his plea bargain Thursday morning. As part of his deal, according to the Detroit News, he cannot seek office during his five years on probation, plus he must surrender his state pension and law license.

Kilpatrick, who is married, was initially charged with eight felony counts for lying under oath about his relationship with his former chief of staff during a whistle-blower trial. His tenure as mayor has been plagued by scandal; however, his mother has remained steadfastly by his side.

Rep. Kilpatrick survived her son’s legal problems unharmed, but not without a fight. She barely won re-election in her Aug. 5 primary with 39 percent of the vote against two poorly funded candidates.