Embattled Rep. Michael Grimm announced overnight that he will resign effective Monday.
The New York City Republican initially had vowed he wouldn’t quit after pleading guilty last week to one count of tax fraud, a felony. But he changed his mind after speaking Monday with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
In a prepared statement, the Staten Island lawmaker said he decided to step down “after much prayer.”
“This decision is made with a heavy heart, as I have enjoyed a very special relations and closeness with my constituents, whom I care about deeply,” Grimm wrote. “The events which led to this day did not break my spirit, nor the will of the voters. However, I do not believe that I can continue to be 100 percent effective in the next Congress, and therefore, out of respect for the office and the people I do proudly represent, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life.”
Grimm didn’t say what he will do next.
Boehner said Grimm made the “honorable decision” to resign.
“I know it was made with the best interests of his constituents and the institution in mind, and I appreciate his years of service in the House,” the speaker in a prepared statement Tuesday.
Grimm won re-election with 53 percent of the vote over Democrat Domenic Recchia Jr. in November despite facing indictment on 20 counts of federal fraud.
Earlier this year, he pled not guilty to all 20 felony counts, but he later reversed course to accept a plea bargain, setting up his guilty plea last week.
Many Democrats in recent days demanded Grimm step down, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.
