Kissing Congressman Vance McAllister Won't Seek Re-election

Rep. Vance McAllister (R-LA) has announced that he will not seek re-election after video surfaced of him kissing one of his female staffers.

“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 announced in a statement to The News-Star on Monday.

McAllister will serve the remainder of his term.

After the video was published by The Ouachita Citizen in April, McAllister admitted that he had “fallen short” in his marriage and begged forgiveness from his constituents.

He stated:

There’s no doubt I’ve fallen short and I’m asking for forgiveness. I’m asking for forgiveness from God, my wife, my kids, my staff, and my constituents who elected me to serve. Trust is something I know has to be earned whether you’re a husband, a father, or a congressman. I promise to do everything I can to earn back the trust of everyone I’ve disappointed.

McAllister has been married for 16 years to his wife Kelly and has five children.

Melissa Anne Hixon Peacock, the woman reportedly featured in the video, resigned from McAllister’s office.