Grimm: My Decision To Quit Was ‘Difficult’ But ‘Did Not Break’ Me

U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm leaves the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 19, 2014. Grimm, a former Marine and FBI agent, was charged last month with concealing more than $1 million in sales and wages at a Manhattan res... U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm leaves the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 19, 2014. Grimm, a former Marine and FBI agent, was charged last month with concealing more than $1 million in sales and wages at a Manhattan restaurant he ran before he was elected to Congress. The charges stemmed from an ongoing investigation of his campaign fundraising. Grimm has denied any wrongdoing. He was in court Monday for a conference on his case. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) MORE LESS

By Catherine Thompson

December 30, 2014 9:13 a.m.

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Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) confirmed late Monday that he would resign from Congress effective Jan. 5, in the wake of pleading guilty to tax evasion.

The New York Daily News first reported that Grimm, who originally refused to resign after his guilty plea, changed his mind after meeting with House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

“After much thought and prayer, I have made the very difficult decision to step down from Congress effective January 5th, 2015,” Grimm said in a statement. “This decision is made with a heavy heart, as I have enjoyed a very special relationship and closeness with my constituents, whom I care about deeply.”

“The events which led to this day did not break my spirit, nor the will of the voters,” he continued. “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 so proudly represent, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life.”

Read his full statement below:

Here is Michael Grimm’s full statement announcing his resignation pic.twitter.com/BbsuprkOrK

— Colin Campbell (@BKcolin) December 30, 2014

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Catherine Thompson (@kt_thomps) Catherine Thompson is a senior editor for Talking Points Memo in New York City. She came to the site in 2013 and reported on national affairs. Previously, she worked as a research assistant to investigative reporter Wayne Barrett. She can be reached at catherine@talkingpointsmemo.com.

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