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‘Kissing’ Congressman Vance McAllister Will Not Seek Re-Election (Updated)

McAllister was sworn into Congress in November 2013. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
McAllister was sworn into Congress in November 2013. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Updated 3:27 p.m. | Newly-elected Rep. Vance McAllister, R-La., will not seek re-election in November, according to a local report .  

Earlier this month, surveillance footage  leaked of McAllister kissing one of his congressional staffers. The incident led to multiple calls for his resignation, including from Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal .  

“I am committed to serving the 5th District to the best of my ability through this term, but I also have to take care of my family as we work together to repair and strengthen the relationship I damaged,” McAllister told the News-Star , which also reported that McAllister will complete the rest of his term.  

McAllister was first elected to Louisiana’s 5th District last November in a special election. A number of the candidates McAllister defeated in that race could run for the seat .  

Local GOP operatives often mention state Sen. Neil Riser, the Republican who lost to McAllister in a special election runoff, as the most likely candidate who could run for the seat.  

The filing deadline in Louisiana is Aug. 22.  

Louisiana’s 5th District is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

Updated 3:27 p.m.| McAllister released a statement on his decision not to seek re-election.

“The past few weeks have been a trying time for my family. As I’ve said before, there’s no doubt I’ve made a mistake. I’ve failed those I care most about and let down the people who elected me to represent them. I take full responsibility for this personal failure and I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done. I have taken this time to reconcile with my wife and kids and I’m forever grateful for their support and forgiveness. The people of the Fifth District of Louisiana need and deserve a voice in Washington. Today, I am announcing that I will not seek re-election, but I will continue to be that voice and will uphold the office to which I was elected to serve for the remainder of my term.”


Related stories:



McAllister Plans House Return After Recess




A Crash Course in Congressional Hanky-Panky




8 Things to Know About Rep.-Elect Vance McAllister




Vance McAllister Kissing Video Could Prompt Flood of GOP Challengers

 

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