Texas Rep Barton apologizes for nude pic & sext, but won’t retire

Congressman Joe Barton, R-Texas, has apologized for sending a nude photo and illicit text message to a woman not his wife. The image circulated around social media earlier this week.

"While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women," Barton said in a statement Wednesday. "Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down." 

Barton announced his reelection bid earlier this month. The Republican representative told the Texas Tribune on Tuesday he was still deliberating his political future.

However, a spokesman for Barton told The Dallas Morning News Wednesday that the congressman has no plans to retire.

"You're as aware of what was posted as I am," he said. "I am talking to a number of people, all of whom I have faith in and am deciding how to respond, quite frankly."

Barton, 68, was first elected to the House in 1985 and is the longest-serving member of Congress from the Texas delegation. 

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