NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Embattled Rep. David Byrd (R – Waynesboro) has confirmed with Rep. Jeremy Faison (R – Cosby) that he will not seek re-election.
Representative David Byrd confirmed with another representative that he won’t be seeking re-election.
— Kyle Horan (@KyleHoranNC5) January 14, 2020
He would not respond to my question about it today outside the house chamber. @NC5
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
