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Embattled Rep. David Byrd will not seek re-election

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Posted at 1:11 PM, Jan 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-14 14:11:09-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Embattled Rep. David Byrd (R – Waynesboro) has confirmed with Rep. Jeremy Faison (R – Cosby) that he will not seek re-election.

Byrd has been accused by three women of sexually assaulting them when they were in their teens and played on a high school basketball team that he coached.

Byrd has never denied the allegations, but had refused calls to step down. Governor Lee also asked Byrd not to seek re-election earlier this summer.

Read more: Gov. Bill Lee: It's "past time" for Rep. Byrd to address sexual assault allegations

Tennessee lawmakers began the 2020 legislative session on Tuesday, kicking off a busy next couple of months expected to be full of debates on criminal justice reform, abortion and other hot-button issues.

Related story: Speaker Sexton won't move forward in expulsion of Rep. David Byrd