‘STEP ASIDE’

Rep. Barton Will Not Seek Re-Election After Sexual Images Leaked

After sexual images he sent during an extramarital affair leaked online.

Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election after graphic sexual images he sent during an extramarital affair were leaked online. He had previously said he would run for an 18th term in office. “I’ve always listened to people in Texas and worked for them in Washington, and I’ve been listening to a lot of people the last week in Texas,” he said. “...There are enough people who lost faith in me that it’s time to step aside and let there be a new voice for the 6th District in Washington, so I am not going to run for re-election.” Barton, the longest-serving congressman from Texas, apologized after the pictures were leaked and said they came from a consensual sexual relationship he had with a woman while separated from his former wife.