WASHINGTON -- Rep. WASHINGTON -- Rep.
Taylor sent an email to his supporters, stating that he would not be continuing his campaign for re-election as Congressman. "I am sorry for the inconvenience I caused by my indiscretion, especially to Anne and our three daughters."
Anne and I have worked for months to heal the wounds caused by my actions. He said that although I was not worthy, he is eternally grateful for her love and forgiveness. "These conversations have been ongoing with me over the past few days with my three daughters, who are the light in my life and deserve so much more."
Taylor's 3rd congressional District includes parts of Dallas suburbs.
Taylor had fallen short of the threshold of 50 percent required for an outright win in Tuesday's GOP primaries. He was now headed for a runoff against Keith Self (the former Collin County judge or chief executive), who came in second Tuesday.
Taylor, 49, stated that he had spoken with Keith Self to inform him of his decision and wished him all the best in his quest to be the next congressman from this district.
Taylor, who was elected to Congress in 2019, faced challenges from Self and other Republicans regarding his right to vote to certify President Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, 2021. He also voted later for a bipartisan commission to investigate an attack on the Capitol by former President Donald Trump supporters intent on stopping the certification.
Although the commission was never created, a House committee consisting of seven Democrats (and two Republicans) is currently investigating the riot. The backlash he faced throughout his primary campaign was a constant concern. Self and other candidates claimed that Trump was the true winner in 2020. There is ample evidence to show that the 2020 election was secure and safe.
Taylor withdrew from public life days after conservative websites, including Breitbart published allegations of Taylor having an affair with Tania Joya. Joya is a Plano resident who tabloids call the "ISIS bride" due to her past marriage to an American who enlisted in the Islamic State terrorist group. Joya said that Taylor paid her to keep the affair quiet.
Joya confirmed Breitbart's story via text message, but declined to answer questions.
Self, the candidate that came in second behind Taylor forcing him into the raceoff, praised Taylor’s decision and stated in a written statement, "Conservatives who believe in family values are the backbone our nation are held accountable to a high standard."
Taylor's move made Suzanne Harp, third place finisher in the race, ask herself: What if she's now second and in a runoff with Self?
Harp stated, "We are busy studying and reading the statute in order to determine if there is a runoff." "We are focusing on that right now and we are looking at the law to see which way is up."
The Republican-leaning congressional district that Trump won in 2020, 56 percent to 42 percent, is likely to be represented by the GOP nominee.
