Late in the afternoon on April 2, US Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty announced she would not seek re-election to the 5th District in November, releasing the following statement:the terrible situation in my office, I could have and should have done better. To the survivor, I want to express my strongest apology for letting you down.  In Congress, and workplaces across the country, we need stronger workplace protections and to provide employees with a platform to raise concerns, address problems, and work to reduce and eliminate such occurrences, in the first place.  In my final months in Congress, I will use my power to fight for action and meaningful change," Rep Esty's statement continued.

"From being a room parent in a first grade classroom to serving on the library board, town council, state house and US Congress, I went into public service to fight for equality, justice, and fairness. It is one of the greatest honors of my life that the people of Connecticut's Fifth District elected me to represent them in Congress.  However, I have determined that it is in the best interest of my constituents and my family to end my time in Congress at the end of this year and not seek re-election," Rep Esty stated.

"Too many women have been harmed by harassment in the workplace. In

"I'm proud of the work I've done in Congress fighting for what's best for Connecticut: working for gun violence prevention and safer communities for our children, supporting our veterans, and fighting for women's equality and access to health care. On these critical issues and many more, there is still so much at stake for my district and for our nation. I intend to spend the coming months doing what I've always done: working hard each and every day for the people of Connecticut," Rep Esty concluded.

Governor Dannel Malloy responded to the news saying, "Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty's decision not to run for another term is the right one.  She has done important work on behalf of her constituents on gun safety, economic development, and much more.  I spoke with the Congresswoman multiple times over the weekend and as recently as today, encouraging full transparency with the press and public, and also urging her to do what is in the best interest of her constituents and her family.  I believe she is now doing that.  The truth is, too many facts about how this incident was handled fall short of appropriate standards for responsible and responsive leadership. Fostering a safe and supportive workplace culture for staff must be a guiding principle for all managers, and especially all elected officials, from local office all the way up to the President."

Lt Governor Nancy Wyman agreed, saying, "I think this is the right decision and I thank Congresswoman Esty for her many years of service to the residents of the fifth district and the State of Connecticut."