U.S. Rep. Tom Reed

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed has been replaced as co-chairman of the 58-member Problem Solvers Caucus.

The news was shared in a message posted by the caucus on Twitter. “Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) was elected the new Co-Chair of the bipartisan, 58-member-strong Problem Solvers Caucus. Tom Reed (R-NY) will remain an active member of PSC & be part of a multi-month transition, helping ensure the Caucus continues its mission of bipartisan governing.”

Reed, who has been in Congress for 11 years, was accused in a Washington Post story of sexual misconduct between the Corning Republican and a former insurance lobbyist in 2017 while in a Minneapolis pub following an ice-fishing outing. Days later, he issued an apology and noted he would not seek re-election or run for office in 2022.

His statement read, in part: “Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility. I further apologize to my wife and kids, my family, the people of the 23rd District, my colleagues, and those who have supported me for the harm this caused them.”

Prior to the allegations, Reed was seriously considering a run for governor.

In the weeks since the information came to light, the congressman has been relatively quiet. His office has not issued any press releases and the last post to Facebook came March 22 to announce a town hall meeting originally scheduled in North Harmony had been canceled.