Politics

Amid Sex Scandals, Rep. Barton Says He Won't Seek Re-election

The Texas Republican told The Dallas Morning News he'd step aside after several people "lost faith" in him.

Amid Sex Scandals, Rep. Barton Says He Won't Seek Re-election
Getty Images
SMS

In the wake of multiple sex scandals, U.S. Rep. Joe Barton said Thursday he won't seek re-election.

The Texas Republican shared his decision with The Dallas Morning News and said, "There are enough people who lost faith in me that it's time to step aside."

His announcement comes about a week after a graphic photo of him circulated online.

Barton apologized soon after and said he had consensual relationships while he was separated from his wife. But he argued he could be a victim of "revenge porn."

A Fifth Woman Has Accused Sen. Al Franken Of Sexual Misconduct
A Fifth Woman Has Accused Sen. Al Franken Of Sexual Misconduct

A Fifth Woman Has Accused Sen. Al Franken Of Sexual Misconduct

An Army veteran told CNN that Franken groped her during a photo op in 2003. Franken was working as a comedian at the time.

LEARN MORE

That's a term for sexually explicit material posted online without the subject's consent. Barton's home state has a law against it.

Barton told The Dallas Morning News he thinks if he ran, he could still win — but said the campaign would be "nasty" and could be difficult for his family.

Finishing up his 17th term, Barton is currently the fifth longest-serving Republican in the House.