The congressman caught on videotape kissing an aide says he will not run for re-election this fall but won’t step down before his term is complete.
Republican Rep. Vance McAllister of Louisiana’s fifth district first told Monroe newspaper The News-Star about the decision on Monday.
In a statement, McAllister said he's "made a mistake."
"I've failed those I care most about and let down the people who elected me to represent them," he said. "I take full responsibility for this personal failure and I'm truly sorry for what I've done."
"The people of the Fifth District of Louisiana need and deserve a voice in Washington," he added. "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."
A video obtained by The Ouachita Citizen newspaper earlier this month showed McAllister, who is married and emphasized his faith and his family during his congressional run, kissing a married staff member in his office.
Several prominent Republicans, including Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, have called for McAllister to step down.
